
^IK' 





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



Chap. f^;2^3 

i Shelf ^ C7 Pi. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



EARLY GLEANINGS 



AND 



RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS 



OF THE 



T 



OF CORINTH 

MAINE, 
FROM 1792 TO 1883, 

BY / 
/ 

MASON S. PALMER. 



BANGOR : 

PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COURIER JOB OFFICE.) 

1883. 






Um GlEMWS 111) 



OF THE 

TOWN OF CORINTH, MAINE. 



In tlio early ages of inaiikiiul. tlie products of the earth were spon- 
taneous; man had little to do. but eat. drink, and be happj^ If our 
associations are reliable, tlie life of our race began in a climate producing 
all that was needful for animal sustenance without man's care. Yet, in 
that position, man never rose, — he lived in a barbarous state, browsing 
in the primitive pastures of animal life. — Much like the animal he lived 
and slept; and sleeping, sometimes dreaming; ''but he awaketh, and 
his soul is empty; he is faint, and his soul hath appetite." 

Then began the original purposes of man's nature ; then commenced 
the stir of human faculties. The breadth of his nature began to work ; 
— he feels the stir of impassioned endeavor;— he begins to think — to 
philosopliize — he sees grand fields of opportunity, and hears the command, 
"till those acres."' and soon perceives that by applying his own intelli- 
gence lo his work, he improves himself. Thus the earth became the 
educator of her childi-en. This wonderful earth was made for the accom- 
modation of our race, not only for man's outward growth, exhibition, 
exposure, out-of-door contact, but the interior life, looking eternity- 
wise. 

Every child born into the world is fed spontaneously at first. But 
this is not to be through life; growing cliildren soon arrive at manhood, 
and are commanded to toil and earn a living. The ages move on, and 
a grand progressive woi-k comes upon the stage of life. In our world's 
schools there are no vacations, her doors are never closed, and her 
schools are being kept forever, each generation only steps up to a 
higher class. 

In this world's school our early settlers first learned their lessons — 
a7id learned them well, enabling them to go out into the broad, active 
world, with an outfit of powers furnished by their Maker, and soon be- 
came enthusiastic workers — with maul}^ courage our fathers sought the 
forest, rtinging wide open their doors, that health might enter at morn, 
meridian, evening and midnight, giving her such welcome that she for- 
got the home of city life, and became the sojourner of the wilds of our 
forests. Here all were lovers and worshipers ; and that they might 
love all things wisely, they gave to all things the pure, deep joy of their 
intercommunion with nature. 

In our Kandom Recollections, we go back to the early and fresh days 
of young life, the springtide of our Township's joyous existence — as we 
saw it in its struggling infancy, so with memory's eye we see it to-day, 
joyous and happy. It is not through the dim and dull eyes of feeble 



HO'e we are to look at events in the past, but with clear vision examine 
ail matters, as life itself, at life's earliest remembered periods, and tluis 
we enjoy todaj'. the snnshine of all past yesterdays — onr brief history 
will thus be cloudless. ^if storms must come, let them be hereafter. 

Tiie glorious sun is hailed with the greatest rapture at his rising. Yet 
the jaundiced eye of a diseased soul, after long gazing upon the splen- 
dois of our world, dulls in its vision, and the heart exclaims. "All is 
vanity and vexation of sj)irit." 

The town of Corinth is situated in the County of Penobscot. State of 
Maine, in latitude forty-tive degrees (45°) nortii ; longitude seven de- 
grees, tifty-eight minutes (7° 58') east from Washington, or sixty-nine 
degrees two minutes (69° 2') west from Greeuvvich; and is seventeen 
and one ft)urth (17^) miles in a North West direction from the County 
Court House in Bangor in a direct line to the center of the town of 
Corinth, ai.d eighteen and one half (18^) miles by the traveled I'oad to 
the Town Hall; and is sixty-live (65) miles in a direct Hue North East 
from the State House in Augusta. 

The town is six miles square, containing 23.040 acres, and is bounded 
on the North by Charlf^ston. East by Hudson. West by Exeter, South bj' 
Levant; and is the 186tii town within the District of Maine, and was 
located as a township by a survey of its exterior lines in the year 1792. 
and known as township No 2. in the fouith range of townships north of 
the Waldo Patent, and one of the 21 townships surveyed by Ephraim 
Ballard and Sauniel Weston, under the direction of the ••Committee for 
the sale of the Eastern Lands." 

Said township was purchased by Messrs. Weston and Peck, and by 
them conveyed to Benjamin Joy and others. The town is watered by 
the Kenduskeag Stream, which runs in a South Easterly direction nearly 
through the center of the town, receiving the waters of the Crooked 
Brook and *PieiTe Paul Brook, while Bear Bi'ook. situated in the North 
Easterly part of the town, gives its waters to little Pushaw Pond. 

For many years the early settlers obtained from Kenduskeag Stream, 
salmon of good size, at a distance of 17 miles from the watei s of the 
Penobscot River. 

'J'he surface of the town is level, and was densely covered with a 
growth of trees in which the maple, birch, beech, ash. bass, hemlock, 
spruce and cedar, seemingly strove for prominency ; yet the bird's-eye 
maple must have seen, — if it saw at all — that the attempt would be 
futile to vie with the mujestic pines, scattered over the entire township. 

The solenni grandeur of the township's native growth of hardj^ trees, 
tall and thickly planted, demanded the admiration of the explorer, as he 
traversed groimds free from fallen trees, — grounds where the foot of 
civilized man had never trod, where no effort at improvement had marred 
the forests' primeval beauty, save that of the industrious beaver, by 
damming running waters, and adding broad acres to his original home- 
atead. 

Such was township No 2 in 1792, when Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. 
Daniel Budge, while on an exploring excursion, were so well pleased 
with it, that they decided at once to abandon the idea of removing to 
the State of Ohio, and immediately made arrangements for settling upon 
lands by them recently discovered, naming them ••New Ohio." 

Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. Daniel Budge were men of large capaci- 
ties and indomitable will, and were striving to find the gateway of 

*Pierre Paul was the name of an Indian living upon the banks of tlie brook. 



opportunity for greatness and usefulness; and tliat such were many of 
their associates, their \vorl\S i)i'ove them. 

The forests of Maine were being explored, and several townships near 
the waters of Penobscot were already surveyed. Provisione(l for a 
week's cruise, they followed the spotteil lines of the surveyor as far as 
his lines extended, and tinding themselves in wood-land heretofore un- 
seen by the eye of civilized man. here they pitched tlieir tent upon 
grounds they deteiniineU should become their future home ; here they 
dedicated the forest; here ottered oblations, and sang "New Ohio." 

Tile children of Israel were led througii the w ilderness bv the blaze 
of the jtillar of light, and our fathers were led to ovn- township bj'' 
Idazed trees. Soon after a few aci'es of the forest trees were felled 
upon lot No. 10. in tiie fij-st Kange. upon grounds where now stands the 
buildings of Mr. I.ucas. Befoi-e these grounds were cleared, or any 
buildings erected. Mr. Daniel Skinner, formerly from Mansfield Mass., 
l)ut more recently from Brewei- (Me.) withthiee sons and three daugh- 
ters, all at ages of maturity, made an opening about two miles in a 
northerly direction from the Ohio Settlement, and nearer the center of 
the township, and as the members of the Skinner familj' married early, 
and settled in tlieir father's neighborliood. a numerous, industrious and 
intelligent piogeny soonjilled the territoral neighborhood with loving 
souls, through whose veins ran quietly the Skinner love of domestic 
life ; and so numerous were they, that the neighborhood was very prop- 
erly called the "•Skinner Settlement." Mr. Jacob Wheeler, from Peters- 
ham. Mass., and Mr. Kichard Palmer, from Parsonstield, Me., each mar- 
ried, for their first wives, daughteis of Mr. Daniel Skinner. 

For variety, which is the spice of life. Mr. Isaac Ilodsdon and Mr. 
Nathan Hodsdon, with their families from Berwick (Me.) domiciled 
within the quiet pi-eciiicts of the Puritan family. 

Here was the first house erected, and here commenced domestic life — 
here the wanderer among tlie townships found a home, and the adven- 
turer was eared for. 

AVhen Messrs. Tibbetts and Budge returned to clear the grounds where 
lay the trees of their falling, others came with them, and tinding true 
all they had heard of the promised land, entered quickly into the work 
of cultivating these lands, and hope lent them energy and impulse to 
make homes in this quiet and peaceful solitude. 

Among the new comers was Mr. William Tibbetts, Mark Trafton. 
Joshua C. Thompson, John Goodhue, William Hammond, Eoyal Clark, 
Peletiah Simpson, Dr. William Peabody, Lemuel Tozier, and others. 

A young wife, writing her friends after her arrival with her husband 
at NeW' Ohio, thus gave expression to her feelings. '"I am the Bride of 
the Wilderness, and at her altars humbl}^ bow. while enjoying the pres- 
ence of suiroundings which give warmth to feelings and promptings to 
religious expressions. This wilderness is a temple of continuous wor- 
ship — a dwelling too wide for walls, too high for dome. On every side 
I am admonished to join Nature's worship; the rough unhewn walls of 
my cabin, prompts the singing of Soloman's first song, Ch. 1, v. 7 — 'The 
beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters are fir.' To those who 
would sing the song of gladness in Nature's Temple, the spirit and the 
Bride say. come!" 

Much that transpired in those early days, comes down to us through 
those early social gatherings, where life's incidents were fully discussed 
and by hearers treasiu'ed in memory's store-house, for the i^en of the 
coming historian, and be this pen truthful in its records. 



In 1794. Mr. Josiah Simpson, Robert Simpson. Eobert Campbell, 
Simon Prescott. Jonatlian Snow, Rufns Inraan, and others, passing 
tliron<>;h the "Skinner Settlement"' and proceeding in a north westerly- 
direction some two miles, and near the line of said townsiiip. entered 
upon lauds inviting both the Inmberman and the agricaitui'ist. aud here 
planted a neigliborhood. which, until tlie year of 1818. was known as the 
Simpson Settlement, after whicli time, in consequence of a cliange of 
ownership, the i)lace lia^ been known as the ''Eddy Settlement." 

On tlie easterly side of the Kenduskeag Stream, lay an elevation of 
grounds |)eculiarly adapted for planting an Eden neigliborhood. on wliich 
Deacon John Hunting. Eben Hunting. Joshua Herrick, Eeuben Ball, 
Isaac Ball. Benjamin Dyer. Sanuiel Gould. Josiah Gregory, David A. 
Gove, Andrew Strong, and others commenced operations in 1808; and 
soon a correct taste, judicious management, and untiring industry, gave 
remarkable evidences of the future growth and beauty of the coming 
neighborhood. 

The far reaching vision of Deacon Hunting and his associates saw that 
the joint and individual eflort of tlieir little colonj^ would convert the 
woodlands on the easterly side of the Kenduskeag into tields of grow- 
ing grain, and soon teach the a)>parently useless waters of stream and 
brooks, to turn the wheels of industry for .niaii's special benefit. Much 
that was at first seen by the prophetic eye, was soon realized, and as the 
wortliy deacon was entering in every needed effort to hasten the growth 
of his neighborhood, it was called the Hunting settlement, but now 
East Corinth, 

Thus from 1792 to 1811, these neighborhoods were constantly receiv- 
ing additions to their respective localities, and seemed to feel, by a 
mystic free masonry, that they were inseparable. The 19 years occu- 
pied as a township, were years of quiet. Litigation was unknown; 
scandal and falsehood on no human lip; man was at all times con- 
tiding and accommodating. The scarcity of implements of husbandry 
prompted invention, and the mechanic's eye readily saw in the trees 
surrounding him. the wanting material from which was readily 
made tlie rough article wanted for immediate use. The straight ash for 
beam, the sapling with appropriate bends for handles, and the beech 
of serpentine twist for inouldboard in the hands of Mr. Abner Tibbetts, 
soon became the wood work, waiting only to be ironed by Mr. Joliii 
Goodhue to become the Pioneer plow. Whilst the young maple, early 
bent by malaria's chronic rheumatism, was forced into the ungraceful 
shape of scythe snath, a form necessary for early mowing, giving evi- 
dence of a co-partnersliip between nature and tlie farmer. 

Mr. Joshua C. Thompson framed and linished buildings of all descrip- 
tions, while Mr. Mason Skinner, from trees straight in gi-ain. standing 
within sight of his siiop. manufactured tubs, boxes, kegs, chairs, and 
almost every wooden article required for use. 

Mr. Eufuslnman,a master workman in wood, iron and steel, manufac- 
tured spinning wheels of every description, made surgical instruments, 
and with wonderful skill used them, — extracted teeth for six and one- 
fourth cents singly, and ten cents for two at one sitting; would let 
blood when necessary, with a lance of his own making, with edge as 
sharp as his own wit. With Mr. Iiiinan tliere was no storm; clouds 
lifted at his presence; he carried sunshine with him, and while his 
neighbor Snow, with heart as cold as the name he bore, sighed over 
''fallen man," and wept over the world's condition, and the depravity of 

the human heart, the merry sounds of the Inman voice was heard, de- 



chiriiig that in the himiaii soul was vested iinhvidual powers to make tlie 
coining man all God desig'iietl liim to be, "a little lower tlian tlie angels." 
and all that was wanting was patient tinishing, everv material for which 
was in man (Inman.) 

In those earlj^ days, the Sabbatii was religionslj' observed, and dwell- 
ing houses were opened for woi'ship. For many years, by invitation of 
the owner, the house of Mr. Jacob AVheeler was deemed a home for 
prayer and praise. But on a certain time a large congregation met in a 
newly finished stable, and Htting ])raise was offered the ■•Bal)e of the 
manger." This meeting was on a pleasant dav of .Time, children from 
every part of the township were in attendance, occupying seats pre- 
pared for them, as this was designed for childhood worship. Tlie 
speaker was young; his subject. •'The Life of the Saviour." his text. 
'"Follow me." The preacher's heart lay oi)en. •■nd his si)ontaneous 
thoughts were in sympathy with all that pertained to childiiood. Of the 
Saviour's manger-birth, his infancy, childhood, manhood, and tragical 
death; of these he spoke in solemn tone of voice, but in his face t^iere 
was the christian's cheerful look, while with an eloquence particularly 
his own. he threw back the blinds which darken the windows of child- 
hood, and fastened fair images on the brain, never dimmed by touch of 
time. Eaphael and Phideas excelled in their respective vocations, but 
painters nor sculptors make themselves inunortal; but he who hapjiily 
makes good impressions upon the human mind and character, and lays 
foundations for the inward growth of tlie human soul. Uvesforerer. Then 
live our fathers evermore. 

No painter ever wrought upon canvas a foi-m more clearly resembling- 
its original in all proportions— more accurate in look and bearing than 
did our young clergyman the entire personification of the Saviour. And 
as childi'en listened, the fashion of face was changed, and seemingly, fire 
from heaven came down and was kindled in an alabaster vase; — -it was 
no outward illumination; the lamp was inside, an orb of glory shooting 
up kindling rays, tilling the atmosphere with dawn and daj^-break and 
became a sun-rise, while the intimate connection between bodv and 
spirit translated the mystic meanings declaring "we will follow thee." 
And so forcibly and graphically was the doctrine of the text impressed, 
that when the working-day came, and a child was told by its father, that 
he was not old enough to follow him (the father) over rough grounds to 
the "clearing," the boy cheerfully replied, ••Well, father, if I am not 
old enough to follow you over rough places, am I not old enough to fol- 
low the S.aviour?" 

To the praise of the first settlers be it published, that especial care 
was taken to properlj'^ instruct the young — in this parents never tired. 
The fireside and the closet were institutions of learning, where were 
taught the theology of pure thought, goodness, truth, justice, love. 
Both childi-en and parents alike learned to read, and were enabled by 
careful reading to become self-instructors. What they studied was prac- 
tical, efficient find good, and by reading, readily obtained the common 
use of words, and though no '•Webster" was before them, they soon 
learned that their own thoughts were "unabridged." 

Schools were early formed in the townsliip, but of the precise period, 
the month, and day of the month, we are unable to give, but this we 
know, '■•It was in the beginning.'''' Historians of the present time, while 
sti'iving to give the day and hour of each event, lose sight of important 
facts, incidents and events as essential to historj- as flesh, blood, sinew 
and brain are to the frame-work of the human bod}'. In the early period 



8 

of creation, when the great historian wrote the first books of tlie Old 
Testament, the Maker of heaven and earth was pleased that his historian 
Moses, shoidd say. '••In the. hpgiuninr/ God crentpcl the heavens and the 
earth," To the FJeity this was sufficiently specific as to time, and men 
of faith and brain, then and to-day, read, believed and ar • satisfied; but, 
with sorrow be it spoken, scientists, with pocket hammers are smiting- 
rocks or prominent sione, that with chips or splniters, they may build 
arguments to invalidate the wisdom of God and his approved recoids. 
Many persons love to doubt, to waver, to suspect I An early skeptical 
ac(iuaintance of ours was of this class — was full of uncertainty, a caviler 
— diove sliunbers from his couch in thinking that we caimot tell when 
sleep begins, when childhood ends, and manhood assumes its |)lace. 
Our friend believed he had been "horn again," but was greath' troubled 
that he could not name the day of his second birth, and he marvelled 
much that this new created world ot ours — man's homestead — was a 
dateless conveyance. But the Maker of our world had forethought 
not to be implicated in a jar. break or omission needing amendment. 

Those devoid of confidence in God, who have no Gotlly fear, are those 
who understand not the perfections and purposes of His works. Our 
first settlers "searched the Scriptures." and learned that there are secrets 
in God for us; that His internal being is populous with whispers not yet 
spoken, and revelations not yet fully revealed, and that He has confi- 
dence enough in those who fear Him to trust such with His secrets. 
Psalms, 25:14, "The secret of the Lord was with them that fear Him."" 

If the date of our world's formation is a secret, the seciet is with Him 
who made it, and if there be those who are striving for the secret, let 
such fear the world's Malier. Thus rciisoned our fathers, hungering 
never for the fa')ulous teachings of Miller, Huxley, and Darwin. 'but 
content ever in the liuowledge that our veiled world of stillness, made 
"'ift the beyinning" is full of inaudible music with which the Deity, with 
loving and confidential intercourse of mystic power, sets our whole 
nature to singing, touching some chord of shattei ed harps that gave 
melody in the first new song at our world"s creation. Happy parents! 

Schools were formed as early as 1806, perhaps sooner, and while 
fathers were preparing grounds for earlj^ sowing, mothers, by living in 
God's forests with open ej'Cs became the architectress for the growth of 
childhood's granulation in coming years. Thus our school's visiting 
committee were generally mothers, self-elected ; they insisted upon 
development in which lay the grand evolving problems of civilization. 
Our committee were graduates of the forest, for they there saw in the 
earth a little germ to whicli a beam of light found its way tlirough 
branches and whispering leaves, and woke up the primal germ; it devel- 
ops, unfolds, organizes a knot here, a branch there, and at the proper 
time, husbands bend and smooth and cover them with mysterious polish, 
preserving the grain of the wood. This they saw and noticed, and this 
they called development. 

[Shades of our early departed mothers, revisit, we pray thee, the 
scenes of early life, and teach now the beauties and excellence of school 
.super visorship.] 

Among the first schools in this township, we name that taught by Miss 
Eunice Fisher of Canton, Mass. For want of juvenile school-books, this 
ingenious teacher resorted to object teaching and oral instructions, and 
the nest of the bird in the lower branches of the tree near the school- 
room, taught the infant mind the beauty of bird-life, the connubial ten- 
derness between St. Valentine's mated birds, the care of their little ones, 



9 • 

the cvidt'iicp thiit tlie iiiiflodged bird gained strengtii of wing by failure 
;iud rciit'Wfd effort, iiiitii. by its unaided vviiig-power. it reached tiie 
higlic^t braiK'li of tlie ti-ee-t(^p— tln'se thoughts being so clearly pressed 
on tiie clean brain of tlie child, they were retained 'while nieniory held 
her throne. The tirst winter school was tanglit by Gen. Isaac Hodsdon, 
wiierc scliolars learned to enter tiie scthool-rooni with deferential bow. 
and. nnbi(hlen. rose wlieii parents or strangers entei-ed or left the school 
room, and at all times, in street oi- elsewhei-e. with uncovered iiead gave 
civil salutation to all tiiey met. This tin y called the school of good 
maimers; the observance of these rules became the admii-ation of all 
persons of good breeding. From the leaving of liome to their return, 
scholars considered tliemselves under tlie care and discipline of the 
teaeiier. ill tlie seiiool-iooni tiiey were tauglit to Ije dignilied in look 
and pure of sjieecii. tainting notliing witii pencil of lewdness, or making 
records tliat would jjaiiit sliaiiie in tlie iiumaii face. For the return of 
these (hiys prayers are ottered. All lovers of good breeding liold the 
name of Gen. Hodsdon in kind remembrance for tli(> much he did foi- the 
benefit of scliolars and the jiurity of the scliool-room. Parents wlio 
were lax in government, for the tiiiie-b(4ng tiiought him arbitrary, and 
so it ai)i)eaied. but to-day tliank him for his ;ij>i(areiit severit3^ and wish 
its reign had extended to the day in wliich they live. 

About this time there came among the settleis, a ]Mr. Kimball, who 
was an original genius — a man about 40 years of age, by occupation a 
blacksmith. — who liad obtained a large store of information, and pos- 
sessed a remarkable faculty of diffusing knowledoe to all wlio had "an 
ear to hear." He received newsjiapers from the States, and as he had no 
familj'of ills own he visited all who gave a willing ear to events transpir- 
ing around them, being a complete encyclopedia of all matters of interest. 
Saturday evcings he read aloud to tilled rooms of anxious listeners of 
both sexes. Parents respected him and children loved him. Genial and 
liappy himself, he spread sunshine and happiness over the inhabited sec- 
tions of the township. fie sought children, and was with tiiem in their 
lessons aiid often tiieir play. He taught them the love of nature, home, 
and country, and as the Fourth of July was chjseupou them, it was pro- 
posed that there be a child's celebration of that day. Boys trimmed a 
sapling for a •'liberty pole,"' and little girls sewed together handker- 
chiefs for a flag of our country. Children becoming enthusiastic, par- 
ents and others soon caugiit this inspiration, and on the F'ourth the se- 
lected ground contained nearly all the living souls within the township. 
Mr. Asahel Skinner read the Declaration of Indeijendence, Mr. Kimball 
delivered the oi'ation, Mr. Simon Prescott sang the Ode on Science. The 
toasts were read also by Mr. Kimball, which were probably mostly from 
the bakery of liis own brain, and we regret to say that we are not in pos- 
session of a cofiy. and must therefore give them from our own impei'fect 
memory as delivered, aided much, however, from the remembrance of 
men of mature years. 

Toasts : — 1st. Our Celebration Day — The best day our country ever 
knew, excepting the Lord's Day. 

2. Our Country — A goodly portion of the six days w^ork, bearing the 
impress of "Him who made all things, and saw them to be good." 

3. Our Township — Our garden, where no serpent shall ever enter, or 
man in his official acts remind one f Satan's crookedness. 

4. Our First Parents — Adam^ finely molded from the dust of the 
ground ; Eve, an improvement, and made of bone dust. 



10 

5. Shivery. — Tlip Slave, a liuiiian heiii*^, ilarkeiied extenially. Tlip 
Slave Holder, a being supposed to l)e limuan, but dark of soul. 

6. Congressional Contentions. — Hens tliittering over tiie nest egg of 
Slavery, that the yolk be separated from the white, and the shell reniain 
unbroken. 

7. Ciioice Pictures, — Cliildliood's early u) >i-iiiiig. a:hl i/iarilKiod's even- 
ing star. 

8. Our Temple of Worshii), — The groves, which were (iod's tirst 
temple. 

9. Our Orchesti'a, — Trees, ever making melody. 

10. Om- Chorister, — Our Pine Bassonest. 

Among the early settlers weiv many endoweti with lai'ge capacities, 
who had sensibly felt tiie wai t of scIuxjIs in eaidy life, aiuli-esolved to do 
all in their power to enable the young, by eai'iy instruciion. t(j become 
more fully educated than themselves, and being thus imbued v ith the 
truth that now is tiie planting hour, busied themselves as l)est they could 
in depositing the acorn, that those coming in aftei-tii.e might find the 
oak. 

The venerable Fatlier Sawyer. "Ihe pilgrim of nn inuHh-ed years."" 
whose ettb; ts hail much to do in establishing the Theological Seminary 
in Bangor, while performing missionary laDors through the Penobscot 
region, visited the newly made settlements, and in fitting words with 
voice sweet to the ear of childhood, spake trutiis which overwh(dmed 
them with floods of hap])y thought, and the influence of that good man's 
christian woixls live to-day. as they lived more than half a century ago. 
while strengthening parent and child in the putting forth that sti'etcli of 
endeavor, which taxed muscle of mind, heart and hand — taxes now wil- 
lingly paid . 

Among the first settlers was a man of military bearing and of strong 
military proclivities. He loved war anil its appendages more than a.l 
things else. His faculties, energies and genius enlisted in the military ser- 
vice, and warfare grew into the life and vigor of a passion. Though he 
loved the shining stars of the firmament, yet he loved more the shunting 
star-^ and the open arms of the father of the prodigal son were arms pleas- 
ing to the christian, yet the stacked arms of musketry on the tented 
field had greater charms for our warrior. With keen relish he read the 
histories of ancient wars, and when he read the scriptures he dwelt hap- 
piljr on those pages describing the rigor of contending armies, and be- 
lieving the Deity was the God of battle, our warrior desired a long 
sword, a nodding plume, and ample room /or a commandant on the battle 
field. In military tactics he had become a proficient, having studied 
Stuben as the scholar studies mathematics, and loved the work of this 
author the more because Baron Stuben was oiice an officer under Fred- 
erick the Great, and coming to this country, received an appointment in 
the American armj- in 1777. These facts gave a charm to his study, and 
an impetus to his ambition. In September, 1818, Major General Jedediah 
Herrick, of Hampden, issued a division order, calling out the militia to 
meet on the field north of Mr. John Hancock's house in Bangor, which 
order, after designating many military manoeuvres, closes by stating, 
••tlie senior officer of the Brigade will assume the command, anil add such 
evolutions as he may deem expedient." At the time designated, the 
militia, armed and equipped, were in attendance; officers" plumes waved 
as thistle blows on fields of nodding grain, while cannon and nuisketrj'^ 
hy their own mouths declared they were present. Spectatois were in- 
numerable, whose eyes viewed, while His Excellency j'eyJetoetZ the mov- 
ing military mass, keeping step to the beat of the drum. 



11 

'I'liosc (l;iys of panidc were hai)p3' 'Ij'.vs. and the liistorian vvlio writes 
tlie military liistoi-y ot our tiiiie«, will probably rroionize each event, and 
pass tbeui (low;i to future o-cnerations. 

'I'lie Sabbath t'oUowiuji' the jubilee week of military parade was a day 
pleasant and warm. Attire usual iiour the good citizens of Corinth 
assembled foi' I'eligioiis worship, and to listen to the gospel from a much 
loved clergyman. The house was well tilled, sei'vices had conunenced. 
and while tiie singers were singing a hymn in the time of Old Hundred, 
our military man. on his way home fiom muster grounds, entered the 
liouse in full uniform, and by close packing. r<^oni was made for him. 
Singing ended, the clergyman annonnc((i for hi-S text a passage of 
scrijitnre fonno in Keel. !^):]S, "•Wisdeni is bt ttei" than weapons of war, 
but one sinnei- dest)()^ eth much gf/cd." 'i he sei nion A\as forcible and 
interesting, showing lii'st, of ^\i.^dom — its origin and tendencies; second, 
the weajions of war; third, the one sinner (h-stroyeth much good. The 
discourse was aljle. Ko person conld liave listened to the speaker's foi'ci- 
bh> words and not liave fallen in love with wisdom, without detesting the 
weapons of wai' and becoming fearfully atiaid of the sinner. 

At the close of the discourse tbe speaker, as was the custom in those 
days, gave liberty for remarl<s; \vhereu|)on. our military man was u])on 
his feet, and with a voice more mililarv tl an devotional, declared the 
discourse unscriptural and false in many of its assumed essential points; 
tiiat the attack upon war was but a skirmish in words; liis "'weapons of 
war" were w(joden Hints snapped against a sparkless hammer. Our mil- 
itary man. though greatly excited, gave evidence of uuich reading, as 
well as the character ot that reading — was ingenious, witty even; but 
failed in this, as in some other points, the showing that he was compe- 
tent to control armies, this evidence being apparent that he could not 
even control himself. Every histoi-ical fact in the Old Testament in 
which tiie Almighty is represented as leading in battles, were quoted as 
evidence that war and slaughter is as nuich the design and pleasure of 
the Deity as Christianity, and that such warriors as Alexender the Great, 
and Napolean Bonapaite were endowed witli greater abilities than the 
Apostles, and that for intelligence and manly Ijeai'ing. the generals in 
oiH' army are men far .surpassing the preachei'S of the gospel in our pul- 
pits at the present day. After which, our warrior resumed his seat, 
waiting reply. The man of God (worthy that name), calmly surveying 
his audience with an eye beaming witli jteace and christian tenderness, 
lifting his hands and looking heavenward, said. '"Let us pray.'" The au- 
dience, (save those who with the preacher knelt,) stood during prayer, 
but our warrior retained his sitting. The clergyman's prayer was the 
breathings of the soul in symi)athetic intercourse with its Maker, and his 
words were utterances of faith and trust for tlie ear of a listening Father, 
joyous in the belief that He is the Piince of peace, and humbly asking 
that war cease upon the earth, and pe-ice have its home among the chil- 
dren of men the wide world over, which piayer received a hearty amen 
from the audience, which, could a listening world (not in niilitarj^ attire) 
have heard, universal peace would have been proclaimed. The lirst per- 
son leaving the house was our warrior, who, quickly throwing himself 
into his saddle, left for his residence, making no reply. But in after time 
the warrior, having dwelt much upon the matter, became thoughtful 
and said lie found much in the clergyman to admire : in the tirst place, 
the keeping a force in reserve, and by strategy, outllanking his enemy by 
dignitied silence, this was military ; in the second place, the preacher's 
masterly christian eloquence upon "wisdom," which, despite his early 



12 

prejudices found a lod^iueut in the mind. ejeetin;ii' much liis early li)ve 
tor war and its dis|)lay. and tlKuig'li the eye loved militai-y tactics and the 
plnijofvmr. yet he loved more tlie livim; principles of Christianity, and 
tliou<jh generally I'eticent, yet in his last days vvlieu life was wasting", sober 
reason «palve and our warrior declared. •• Wisdoni is bfdte/ than ireapons 
of ujor." and so declaring. dei)arted this lite in peace. 

Our tii-st i)arents in our township were fearless and just, never liiding 
rliemselves among trees of ancient planting, and were early enabl 'd to 
partake of tile fruit of tiieir own industry, and we would gladly name 
them all. hut bv so doing we should become a mere' t(>mbsto)ie in com- 
memorating tile dates of the liirtli and death of early settlei'S. 

Biograiihical notices we would gladly give, if our proposed limits 
would allow. b,it what could be interesting to the reading pul)lic, in the 
lives of men wiiose chief merit consisted in the due fuUillment of the 
duties of private life? 

The names of the first settlers are interesting because they were the 
tirst settlers. Of them we have no affecting tale to relate, no perils by 
tire, flood, tield or railway ; no crimes to i-elate by the wrong doing of 
others or themselves — but of them we can saj' and are happy in the say- 
ing, that they were a moral, religious and prudent people, lovers of na- 
ture, kindred, countiy, living lives of industry and admirable foresight, 
made the best of their situation, were cheerful and lived in quest of 
comfort, begat children, and died, and in the next decade a more able 
iiistorian will name them. The reader will And much matter in these 
''Early Gleanings'" that tirst appeared in the '-History of Penobscot 
County.'' by Williams. Chase and Co.. Cleveland, Ohio. 

By an act of the Senate and House of Eei)resentatives in General 
Court assembled June 21, 1811, township No. 2, in the 4th range north 
of the Waldo Patent, in the Countj- of Hancock, was incorporated arid 
established as a town, by the name of Corinth. At the time of incorpor- 
ation there were 197 inhabitants of the town. The warrant for the flrst 
town-meeting was issued by Moses Hodsdon, of Levant, a Justice of 
the Peace. 

The first town-meeting was held on the 17th day of March, 1812, at the 
dwelling house of Elijah Skinner. The meeting was calle,i to order by 
Moses Hodsdon, Esq.. of Levant, and Mark Trafton was chosen Modera- 
tor, — Isaac Hodsdon. Town Clerk. — William Hammond. Elijah Skinner, 
John Hunting. Selectmen, — WiUiam Peabody, Elijah Skinnn-, David 
A. Gove, Assessors. — Mark Trafton, Treasurer, — Joshua C. Thompson, 
Keuben Ball. Constables, — Andrew Goodhue, Elijah Skinner, Jonathan 
Snow, Joseph Bragdon, Surverors of Highways. — Josiah Simpson, 
Jonathan Snow, Simon Prescott. Tythingmen, — Benjamin Dj-er, Pobert 
Campbell, Eichard Palmer, Abner Tibbetts, Fence-viewers, — Kufus 
Simpson, Mason Skinner, Joseph Prescott, Joshua Herrick, Hog-i-eeves. 

Eaised #700 for higinvays; — voted that !3;1.25 be allowed for a day's 
work, eight hours constituting the day. Eaised )s200 for support of 
schools, to be paid in corn at .$1.00 per bushel, rye at #1.17 and wheat at 
#1.33. Eaised $150 to defray town charges. Established a road from 
New Charleston througli Hunting Settlement to South line of Corinth. 
Established a road from Mr. John Goodhue's (Ohio Settlement,) run- 
ning in a northerly direction through the Skinner settlement and the 
Simpson settlement (now Eddy settlement,) to Exeter line. Estab- 
lished a road from Mr. Lewis Bean's, Ohio settlement, running westerly 
to Exeter line. 

Notwithstanding the necessary labor in building roads, the forming 



13 

<if scliool (Harriets. iTectiiig seliool houses, selecting groiiii<ls for 
cemeteries were duties uot neglected. Schools also received prompt 
attention, and were commenced as soon as school houses were in 
i-<'adiness. 

In 1818 sevei-al families from Eddington (Me.) moved into the Eddy 
settlement, whicli was an imjjortant acquisition to the town. Among 
tile new-comers was ^Ir. William Edd\\ wlio was born in Sackville, 
N.B.. July 1. 1775. died in Corinth. January 22. 1852. His death was 
occasioned by a fall from a scaffold; his loss to the entire community 
was very great. 

Mr. Jonatlian M. Edily. eldest son of ^Mr. William Eddy, was born 
in Eddington. Oct. 22. 1797, died in Corinth. August 5, 1875. Pope 
pronounced a fitting eulogy on Mr. Eddy, wlien he declared: '"An 
honest man is tlie noblest work of God." 

For his first wife he married Miss Eliza Morrill, who died Feb. 5. 
ISGl. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabetii G. Twombly. witii whom he 
liappily jjassed the last days of a useful and quiet life, — the wife still 
living "and making luippv new and respectable connections. 

:Mi-. Willaid Eddy and Sylvester Eddy, sons of Mr. William Eddy, 
and also the several sons of Mr. Joseph Eddv. together with Mr. 
Jolin Cami)bell, son of tiie pioneer Itobert Campbell, all men uniting 
in life's laudable efforts for good, have rendered efficient service In 
making the Eddj* Ncigliborliood a pleasant residence. 

East Ridge. 

In 1816 Mr. Samuel Houston commenced farming on lands lying 
East of East Corinth, and asked by petition that the town cause a 
road to be laid out from his "chopping" to East Corinth, and after 
tills granting of the petition, otlier persons commenced clearing lands, 
and soon a neighborliood was in existence, called the Savage Settle- 
ment, but the name was soon ciianged to East Bidge. 

The land was productive, and families increased, and the road asked 
for was soon extended farther east, and '-East Ridge'* soon embraced 
a large territory extending from the Kidge in an easterly direction to 
the Hudson line, and those having the gift of prophecy pi-edicted that 
in coming time -'East Ridge" in beauty and comeliness would equal 
her elder sister. East Corinth. Tiie first settlers of East Ridge have 
been gathered to their fathers; others, loving more a warmer clime, 
have left; j-et to-daj- the Ridge lesounds with the farmer's cheering 
voice from the cultivated fields, and tlie mechanic's hammer in the shop. 

The road from Charleston line, leading through the Ridge is mostly 
on elevatt d ground, and farms on each side show due cultivation, while 
merry sound of voices tell of happy firesides. The children in the 
street greet you happily, and with smiling faces hasten to the school 
room. Tiiose just cominencing to teach show early development and 
rare fitness for teaching. 

Crossing the main road leading to Kenduskeag. you proceed in an 
easterly direction to "Bear Brook," the waters of which, after putting 
in ciuick motion the saw^ mill, shingle mill, and planing mill of Mr. 
James R. Trim, join the Avaters of Pushaw Pond; pursuing still fur- 
ther in the same diiection, you intersect the Farrar road, leading from 
Charleston to Kenduskeag and are within 150 rods of the town line 
of Hudson. 



14 

III 1823 Eev. St('}>lit'ii Dexter becjiine tlic first settled miiiistiM' in 
tlie town. i\Ir. DextiT was horn ju Cape Cod. Mass., in 177(i. dii^l in 
Corintli. August. 188(5. Mr. Dexter's ininisti-y was very aeee|)t:d)le to 
his peo))le ; he was a man of industry, and equally at home on the farm, 
in the shop or pul|)it; his family was large iind sows and daughters 
learned to follow a father's judicious <'xamp]e and timtdy instructions. 
'I'he lii'st church editi<'e (IJaptist) was huiit in 18:>2. near tlie residence 
of the i^astor. In 18."){i the huilding was removed to a very desirable lo- 
cation in East Corinth village, and being remodeled and widl tinished. 
with fitting stee])le and line toned b(dl. it was ndnni'ed for its architect- 
iM-al fitness and sweetly toned belfry music. Tliis churcli has generally 
been fortunate, as now. in having in it* i)ulpit. [tasfors of marked abili- 
ties, while the singing gallery uiiiversally gives notes divinely sweet to 
the cultivated ear. Deacon Dexter's heail is always there, and oft you 
hear his mellow notes of praise, soothingly sweet, even now in his even- 
ing of life, ascending from his family pew. 

The Methodists have two churches, one in Corinth, thi; other in East 
Corinth with a recently purchased bell of large size and great f)ower. 
Both churches are of medium size, well finished, and so cleaidy kei)t that 
all must admit the fact tliat Methodists btdieve in internal purity in the 
sanctuary, as well as in practical life. In 1856, the Free Uaptisis erected 
a connnodious house in East Corinth, excellent in a.ll its ai)i)ointmeiits. 
where they woi'ship with a frcn irUJ anil connnendahle zeal. Connecteil 
with each church are Sabbath schools wliich are doing wonders in the 
great work of chilstian intelligence and practical purity. Looking re- 
centlj' into the Sabbath schools, where the teaching of the young en- 
grossed the philanthropic energies of the devoted christian, we read in 
the face of teacher and scholar that there is bliss in life's working days, 
and that none need wait for death ere heaven's joys begin, and the soul 
that waits will never find. Connected also with these churches, are 
social societies, sometimes called "sewing societies,''' which are principally 
managed by the intelligent ladies interested in the churclies. These 
meetings are generally weekly, in which all can participate, and while 
W'oman's industry works for church or pastorate, each contributes to its 
social enjoyment under the admonition from apostolic lips. "Let your 
speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how 
to answer every man." While these societies refrain from all scandal 
and evil speaking, thej* make their own speech the vehicle of the mind, 
sometimes running light, sometimes loaded, endeavoring at all times to 
make language the garment of the soul, knowing that grace of utterance 
comes from a root deeply within. The preacher's thoughts which come 
to us through the trained carpentry of words sometimes fall dull on the 
ear. but become fragrant with a ciiarm when the spirit of the words are 
sensibly spoken in those societies which give social fitness of expression. 
Gems, scattered broadcast from the pulpit, after being reliandled and 
reset to words of social, graceful utterances, coming from the fountain 
of pure thought, become not only gracious, but divine. 

In the loth century, jests, opinions and bon-mots spoken in conversa- 
tion by men of genius were published and transmitted to posterity. 
Giles Menage met with assemblies of literary men, and wrote their say- 
ings which were published in 1G93, and all admirers of genuine wit and 
deep thought, love the published literarj^ conversations of Horace Wal- 
pole, and the table talk of Selden. AVhile men of colloquial eloquence 
thus give to the woi'ld thoughts worthy remembrance, may not mothers 
and sisters in their "Table Talk'' at their social gatherings, teach the 



15 

world tiuit, rlicrt' is m power uiid sweetness in words spoken from tlie 
fnll lieiirt ;iiid pure life ul rultiviited woniiiniioodi' And will not Cor- 
intliiiiiis aeknowk'dge tlnit such jiower :ind sweetness are found in 
our soeial gatlierings? And to which will not cukiired man give liis 
l)i-esencc":' 

For niiiny yeai's after the town was incorporated, political and sec- 
tional strife was uiiUiiown. Honesty and ahility wei-e tiie i-e(piisite 
(lualilications for otHce; and for [)ositions of trust, candidates wei'e se- 
lected with that cjire that the master builder culls from his lumber 
the fitting' timbers for his edifice, and that man would have blushed 
if found intiigning- for ]>osition by bargain or deception. Hut a change 
came. Diiriilg' the presidential canvass in which John Adams. General 
Jackson. ^V. 11. Crawfoid and Henry Clay were candidates, the doc- 
ti-ii.e — tliat "the spoils belonged to tlie victors." and he who did most 
for his i)arty deserved largely from his party the offices and emolu- 
meiit^ w ithin his party's gifts — became the doctrine of the multitudes. 
I!e who had formeily been favorably regarded for the raising i vvo 
blad.s of grass wlieie but one had previously grown, was considered 
an idiot, when compared witli him who could deposit two votes for 
his party wheie only one honest vote was due. i\Ieii, honest in all 
things else, weie seldom trnthfid in political mattei's; and men who 
wonhl attemiit to stay the breeze of political fraud soon found them- 
selves contending with volcanic matter, lava and j)olitical gases. 

Conservative men predicted disastrous effects from tlie '-spoil sys- 
tem," and witii long reaching pro|jhetic eye saw human beings sow- 
ing broadcast, discord, fraud and demoralization, and. as "'coming events 
cast t! eir shadows before," may it not be imagined that the forms thus 
seen wei'e a Conkling oi' a (juiteau? 

While we have under consideration such matters as pertain to the inter- 
ests of the community, we cannot refrain from alluding to malaria, 
which physicians of well earned fame declare ''the angel of destruction." 
Few people are aware of the extent to which malaria affects us. It is 
the source of more than half of the diseases to which the human race is 
subject, and more than half the mortality which depopulates our com- 
numity. From works published in 1827, by the learned physician, Dr. 
James M'Culloch, and other distinguished physicians, we have derived 
facts and reasonings deeply interesting to every man in the communitj'. 
and to sucli works we call the attention of our reading conuiuuiity. 
With us, malaria is most active in the months of July, August and Sep- 
tember, producing dropsy, obstructions of the liver and spleen, hebeta- 
ting- the intellect, causirig- general lassitude, rheumatism and dyspepsia. 
Not that these disorders do not in many cases originate from other causes, 
but that they are in many Instances fully ascribable to the effects of ma- 
laria. Dr. Fodrie in his excellent treatise observes that malaria stints 
and debilitates the population, even where there is no particular disease. 
The times, seasons, places and circumstances where malaria is found, 
are the same as where insects abound. Insects are of all sizes from the 
largest to the myriads of various kinds, which nothing but the most 
powerful microscope can exhibit to our sight. But large or small, the 
laws of their production are the same. Malaria originates in low 
grounds, where vegetables having grown, die and putrefy, and where the 
air IS impregfiated tvith animalcttke. Dry air is never a conductor of mi- 
asma; fires in the morning and evening accompanied with smoke, destroy 
both insects and malaria. 



16 

There is in like manner, and more to be dreaded in society, a mental 
malaria, originatinu- in lovv and nnenltivated minds, where diseased and 
half grown pntref ving thoughts create infections, morbid matter, and tiie 
miasma air, poisoning tiie scenes of mental and social liapp\- life. 

In districts thus infested, peace soon departs — strife of words iind 
false accusations become the circulating medium of i x|)ression — the 
slanderer becomes a walking pestilence, the evil minded give gieed_y car 
to falsehoods, and the oil}^ tongue of the defamer finds constant emplo}-- 
ment. 

:f sK * * * * 

In 1830, without previous announcement, a small four ]»aged monthlv 
newspaper, called the 3firr(tr and purporting to be published in Corinth. 
WHS widely distributed tin-ough tiie town. From the tone of its pid)- 
lished articles, it was readily ascertained that its objects were to make 
odious the abuse of the faculty of speech, and wliii(> profane language 
and falsehood were treated us evils, demanding the censure of all persons 
scandal received the scathing denunciations of a pen. shai-p as a serpent's 
tooth, and as keenly felt as the sting of the wasp. 'I'lip sheet was small, 
but the presuming juvenile editor who was called the Porcupine, averred 
his ability to show it was the contents of a paper which made the paper 
great, while, with artistic skill he made each issue a moving picture of 
the passing day. If there were any fearing that the Hood gates of scan- 
dal might be raised, and a quiet people inundated with tales of falsehood 
"strange and vile." these fears were soon allayed, for a forced cliange 
came— words became ashamed longer to run shallow and ceased to be 
such, and conversation was no longer mere babbling surface of impure 
waters — scandal stopped — and so did the Mirror. 'Tis said the Por- 
cupine lives. 

From the noitherly line of the town, and ruiniing in a south easterly 
direction to Kenduskeag, are live main roads : 

First — From Exeter nearly on the line between Corinth (Ohio Settle- 
ment) and Levant to Kenduskeag. 

Second — From Exeter through Eddy and Skinner settlements to Ken- 
duskeag. 

Third — From Charleston through East Corinth to Kenduskeag. 

Between these two last named roads, runs the Kenduskeag Stream. 

Fourth — From Charleston through East Kidge to Kenduskeag. 

Fifth — From Charleston through the Farrar settlement, intersecting 
with roads leading to Kenduskeag. 

These are well made roads, and are the leading avenues to Bangor. 
Other roads are intersecting or town roads and that mostly traveled is 
the cross road, — so called — established in 1810, leading from Smitlfs 
Corner, East Corinth, in a westerly direction, crossing the stream, and 
thence to Coi'iuth, Skinner settlement. From this cross road, com- 
mencing near the bridge over the Kenduskeag stream, and still nearer 
the entrance of the Pierre Paul brook with the stream, and runnin<? 
nearly parallel with the same, is a road leading through a farming 
neighborhood prolific in hay crops, and terminating at a road running 
between Corinth and Kenduskeag, and near the residence of Andrew G. 
Fitz. 

East Corinth Academy was built in 1843. The Legislature of 1848, at 
its summer session, donated for said Academy, h township of land. For 
six j^ears now last past, Mr. David Fletcher has been principal, and his 
present assistant is Miss M. E. Mathews. The school is well patronized. 



17 

Corinth Cheese ami Caiiinn<x Factoiy's Association was oi-ganized i?) 
1874. in town there are six eider mills. ni;ikiM<J^ in all about l"iOO bbls of 
eider annually. Tiie motive power of the mill recently built by Wilbur 
K. Clark is steam, with an engine of sufficient yxiwer to drive saws, mills 
for u:ritidin*r ^rnin. jilaiiing- lumber, and making cider. 

Tlie new Tiiirn 7/o»^s^, just eoni])leted. is an imposing edifice, costing as 
a whole, about §5. 200. On ttie ground fioor is tlie Town Hall, especially 
adapted to the town's wants, <-osting the town $2,200. On the second 
floor i a large Hall built by the Corinthian Lodge of 1. O. O. F.. ad- 
mirably constructed, well liiiisiied ^ul(l furnished, costing the Lodge 
.$3,000. The Lodge numbers about 100 members. Regular meetings in 
the Hall every Wednesday evening. 

There are two societies < f Good Templars in town. That in Corinth — 
the Ivy Lodge — contains oO members — meet every Saturday evening at 
their own Hall, .\nchor Lodge in Last Corinth, containing between one 
and two hundred uHMubers. meet in Grange Hall every Monday evening. 
While it is believed that tiiese societies ilo much goof for tlie cause of 
temperance, it is evident they produce much social enjoj-ment. 

In 1875 tile ratroiis of Husbandry established the Orient Grange in 
Corinth. Senior ( liarles (lark was first Worthy Master. At its com- 
mencement its munhers were few, and for several years its growth was 
tardy; yet those loving its principles were untiring in their efibrts to 
sustain an institution which ])iomised the growth and culture of the hu- 
man mind. Foi- this they woiked as works the philanthropist and the 
christian, believing that faith and works in a good cause would eventu- 
ally be rewarded, and so it proved. To-day the Grange numbers between 
one and two hundred, and those who entered dotihting are now happy in 
knoicing that sympathetic and fraternal intercourse with the laws of mind 
and the great truths of nature will give to the inquiring hiunan soul 
wondrous growth. 

Membei-s have learned that the Grange is not a place for the lazy of 
brain, or the sluggard in thought; that it is a mental working institution, 
and while it has hours of pleasant recreation, it has W'.rking hours, hours 
of study, deep thought, where piu-e expression, oral and written, are 
oidy practical lessons that initiate theiu into the great millennial lan- 
guage of a coming period, where falsehood and rough words will be un- 
known, and unkindness will lose its name among men. The Grange 
meets every Saturday evening at Grange Hall. 

The Penobscot Central Agricultural Society hold their annual exhibi- 
tions and fair generally on grounds of Mr. John Morrison, near Hunting's 
tavern in East Corinth, u«ing the large hall connected with the public 
house for an agricultural hall during show days. These shows exhibit 
in miniature the energy of the farming community and the handy work 
of wives and daughters. 

During the war of the rebellion, Henry W. Palmer enlisted in Compa- 
ny H, 31st Regiment Maine Volunteers, and in the battle at the Wilder- 
ness lost his entire right arm. On the same day of amputation on the 
field, he travelled on foot sixteen miles to the nearest hospital. He is 
now at the home of his boyhood, a lover of books, has a large library, 
caring for his parents, and With his yoimger brother, Clifford E. Palmer, 
manages the f ai m luade by their father, Mason S. Palmer, more than 
half a century ago. 

From the conunencement of farming to about the year 1845, the pine 
and the cedar were seemingly doomed to extermination. The ordinary- 
pine gave boards, clapboards and shingles for the outside completion of 



18 

pvei-}' building, while tliaf of a better quality furnished inatei-ial for i i- 
side linisii; and while the devout builder of his own h )usp, for hi* even- 
ing devotions read from the Scriptures the words of tiie King to Nathan, 
tlie Prophet, 'See, now I dwell in ;: house of cedar." this fai nier of huui- 
ble pretensions exelainis. •'See.t o. I dwell in a house of pine." But the 
great demand for shingles caused farmers to lay waste the cedars on their 
low lands, conveiting those of fitting size and straight of rilt into mer- 
chandise. For many years, farmers spent their wiiUers in sliingle mak- 
ing. This made wanton havoc with the cedars of the foi'est, and tiee- 
to[)S thickly scattered gave the api)earance of waste. But within a few 
years the down timber, still generally sound, is finding its ap|)ro!)riate 
i)lace in fencing the farms of the husl)andman. thus keeping cattle witiiin 
tlie well fenced boun<laries of ownership. 

Mr. Z. McKusic, a fence builder, has made in town, witliii the last ten 
years, as by memorandum b^' him Kept, eleven miles and one hundreil 
and thirty rods of cedar fence. 

Until recently, tiie ceda'- lias not been duly appreciated. Cedar wood, 
as noticed in r^eviticus. was prescrilied among the materials used for the 
cleansing of leprosy. The fourscore tliousand hewers employed \\y Sol- 
omon for cutting timber, robbed Lebanon of its glory; and instead of 
regretting that we have no Solomon among us. of lavish proclivities, we 
are happy in saying that in our swami)S and low lands we h ive a second 
growing of cedar. 

Andrew Strong, one of Corinth's most prominent men and one of her 
early settlers, was a man of unusual capacities, was a surveyor of land, 
and being appointed the agent of Benjamin Joy. Ksq.. the principal pro- 
prietor of the town, nearly all the sales of land were made by him; and 
while he faithfidly performed the duties of Agent, in no single instance 
lias it api-eared tliat he lost sight of the inti'rests of his townsmen. ^Ir. 
Strong for many y(^ars was one of the municipal officers of the town — 
laid out luu- roads and svas generally foremost in all matters pertaining 
to her interests, and in 1S19 was chosen delegate to meet in convention 
for the forming a constitution of the State of Maine. In 1S;^5 Mr. Strong 
became bliml and placed in the hands of his linpil, Aiulrew G. Fitz, the 
unfinished public business of his life, delivering him his compass and 
surveying apparatus, his mimites. niemoiauda and field notes, which are 
complete from 1S08 to 1835. Thus the compass and chain long used by 
Mr. Strong, are now in the hands of Mr. Fitz. and still used with that 
care and ability which distinguished the character of Corinth's veteran 
surveyor. 

Doctor \^'illiam I'eabody was the first educated i)hysician in town. The 
Dr. was born in Boxford, Mass.. January 10. 1768. received his education 
n B y field, JIass. : studied medicine with Dr. Skinner, of Brewer; was 
surgeon in the war of 1812; was at the battle in Hampden; commenced 
practice in Corinth in 1812; was a successful physician and a worthy and 
highly respected citizen; died December 14. 1857. There was a particu- 
lar instance in the doctor's medical practice which history (for the con- 
sideration of pi-esent physicians) deems worthy of record : After pre- 
scribing for a patient evidently very sick, the doctor found that the 
medicine administered had no effect upon the disease, and for ;i long time 
he studiously labored to reach the case of the sick man, but the disease 
was i-efractory. yielding in no wise to the doctor's medicinal curatives; 
in short, the doctor saw and honestly admitted he did not understand the 
nature of the complaint; yet the patient, being a man of strong constitu- 
tion, recovered. For his services the doctor refused compensation, 



19 

alleging' rliat wo iiliysiciaii i^liould receive pay for treating a disease 
wliieli was beyond Ills reading and research I 

Doctor .fared Fuller canie'to (orintli in 1832. at wliicii time lie com- 
menced practice as a i)liysiciaii ; was generally snccessfnl in his pi'ofes- 
sion ; was moderate in his ciiarges. kind to the poor and circumspect in 
all his social rtdations. lie served one term in the State Legislature; 
was twice of tiie Goveiaior's (Jouncil. In 18G8 he was chairman of a 
committee ro investigate charges i)referred against fihe Insane Asyhuu ; 
was, at the time of his decease, October 6, 1878, Postmaster at East Cor- 
inth. While one of the municipal officers of the town, the only charge 
biongiit against his official duties was Ids unipertial kindness to the town's 
pmir ! 

Doctor Jason Iluckins graduated at Castleton. Vt., Medical College, 
November, 1859: commenced jjractice in Corinth, June, 1860; enteTed 
military service as assistant sm-geon of the 22d Regiment Maine Volun- 
teers in Angnst. 18G2, and sei-ved one year in the Department of the Gulf, 
principally in Louisiana. Since his retiu'n from military service as a sur- 
geon, he has been in full piactice in Corinth and its vicinity. His resi- 
dence is in East Corinth. 

(/. 8. Philbrick, Ilonueopathic Piiysician and Surgeon, resides at East 
Corinth. 

VV. F. Jolmson. Dentist, has an office in East Corinth. 

Eliab .Shaw. Veterinary Surgeon, resides near 'I'liisselTs Mills. 

Charles Megquier keeps drugs and a full assortment of medicines at 
liis store in J^ast Corinth. 

Charles Edmunds keeps on hand a large assortment of coffins in East 
Corinth 

Town hearse in East Corintli. 

^lajor Ora Oakmau was born in Bangor. Nov. 12. 1809. died in Corinth, 
April 12. 1872. In early boyhood, with his father's family, he came to 
('orinth (Ohio Settlement), labored on his father's farm during Spring, 
Sununer and Autumn months, and attended the town school during Win- 
ter. Young Oakman easily accomplished any study he undertooli, and 
resolved to study himself as he would study a problem in algebra, and 
tlms make himself a proficient in all matters within the province of self- 
taught human attainments. The bird of song in the hedge taught him 
the love of music, hence he studied music. But it was in the branches 
of education taught in our common schools that he applied the energies 
of studious thought. To teach others what he had learned himself, was 
mere pastime. In the school room he was perfectly at home — his man- 
ner was imposing and dignitied. and as a disciplinarian no teacher ex- 
celled him. Order in the school room was the first thing in order. No 
scholar cared to be otherwise than orderly in his presence. Although a 
practical farmei'. he taught forty town schools and sixty singing schools. 
His name and character were syuonjanous — he was an Oak-man. showing 
at all times the grain of the wood without a blemish, and that he was 
'•Live Oak" was evident from his active life. He earned much money, 
but his liberality exceeded usual bounds. Four Oaken sons survive the 
fallen Oak. and all are musicians. 

The citizens of Corinth, ever loving the remembrance of their heroic 
dead who fought in the war of the Rebellion, now most respectfully give 
to historj' the names of those killed in battle, or who died from wounds 
received or disease contracted in the army. 

In life they were our loved ones ; by death they are embalmed^ and live in 
our thoughts forever. 



20 

George B. F. Ilosmer. J?imes Stevens. 

Stillm in Gnp|)v^ Henry .1. Hnnl. 

Austin W. Whi'ttier. Moses W. Fiske. 

W'ni. H. Ilerrick. Geoio;e \V. Hurd. 

*E\\ W. Parknian. Aaron Iloiistou. 

Andrew J. Wliittier. C. An^jn-^tus Kesor. 

Sumner S. Bean. Z. Taj'lor Reynolds. 

Rufns H. Gibnan. Israel Ilodsdon. 

Henry C. Heald. John Ham. 

Chester Pearson. Allen [Inntini;. 

David B. Herrick. Fraidi Uonndy. 

Josiah M. Whittier. John Huntin*:;. 

Levi Stevens. Isaac R. W'orcli. 

Alfred W. Warren. Chester M. II rriek. 

Nathan Chaniberiaiu. Henry I). Fnller. 

Asa H. Sawyer. Alonzo liatchelder, 

Charles A. Whittier. ' C.vrus Perkins. 

Edgar Sargent. Walter A. Crowell. 

Evander C. Curtis. Benjamin Crowell. 

Henry Lyford. Thomas K. Hinckley. 

Newell J. Bradley. William Eddy. 

Fred J. Rollins. Stephen Barker. 

On the easterlj' side of Kenduskeag Stream and runniiig nearly in a 
southerly direction, as runs the stream, and nearly parallel with the road 
on the westerly side, is a road leading to Kobieville. near Kendnskeag's 
northerlj' line, at which place there is an excellent water privilege, 
owned and recently occupied by Mr. Clark Hersey. Here the stream is 
spanned by a covered bridge which gives Robieville a business-like 
aspect. By changing the starting point on the road last named, and 
proceeding in a northerly direction from Robieville. and crossing the 
road leading from East Corinth to Corinth, you so ni find j'ourself in the 
vicinity of the saw mill and shingle mill on the waters of the Crooked 
Brook, owned by the heirs of Mr. John Thissell. At this place the mills 
were built bj"^ Deacon John Hunting. A short distance from these mills, 
but situated upon the waters of the Kenduskeag, are the saw mill, shingle 
mill and grist mill owned and occupied by Messrs. McGregors. All the 
above named mills have done, and are now in condition of doing good 
work. 

In the vicinity of these mills, farmers are tilling a soil of easy cul- 
ture, and ver}' productive. A pleasant road leading from East Cor- 
inth, and passing near the "Corinthian cemeterj^," crosses the Crooked 
Brook and the Kenduskeag stream, and branches in divei"se directions. 

There are in town four Post Otfices, each supplied with a daily mail. 
Isaac Hodsdon was the first Post Master in Corinth. 
Elbridge H. Bragdon present Post Master in Corinth. 
David A. Gove first Post Master in East Corinth. 
Timothy McDonald present Post Master in East Corinth. 
Humphrey Nichols present Post Master in South Corinth. 
Thomas Hajnies present Post Master in West Corinth. 

From the report of General John L. Hodsdon, formerly Adjutant Gen- 
eral of the State, the following extracts of Military Biographies of Col. 
George Fuller, Lieutenant H. D. Fuller and Sergeant Israel Hodsdon are 
gleaned. 

*Parkman lived in Charleston, but buried with Corinth's dead. 



21 

Lieutenant Colom 1 George Fuller enlisted as a private on the 24th of 
Ai)ril. 1861, in a company raisrd in Corinth, of which he was elected 
Lieutenant, and which became Company IL 6th Regiment, and subse- 
quently elected Captain, and was mustered in with his Regiment July 
15th. 1S61. and on April 24th. 1864. was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 
and was in many liattles. In the battle of Garnell's Farm, he was struck 
in the breast by a spent ball; at Rappahannock Station his horse was 
killed under him. his sword shot oil", and Ik; wounded and carried from 
tile field. After being in the sei-vice of his countr}' thirtj^-nine months, 
he tendered his resignation, and was honorably uuistered cue. 

Lieutenant Henry D Fidler of Corinth enteied the service in March, 
1864. as Second Lieutenant in Baker's District of Columbia Cavalry. He 
vServed with his regiment in the Arn»y of the James under General But- 
ler, and in Octi>l)er. 1864, wlien he was captured by the enemy at the bat- 
tle of Cox's Mills, and remained in prison until December of that year. 
In the meantime his regiment had been consolidated with the 1st Maine 
Cavalry, and after iiis release ln' Joined that regiment for duty as 2nd 
Lieutenant of Company H, and served in tiiat capacity with great credit 
till the close of the. war. In the last campaign of the Army of the 
Potomac he was severely woinided. After the surrender of Lee, he was 
detailed on provost duty at Petersburgh, Virginia, for four months and 
was mustered out of service with his regiment in August. 1868. 

Sergeant Israel Hodsdou of Company H. 6th Maine Volunteers of Cor- 
inth, aged 25 years, son of Nathan Hodsdon. was mortally wounded in 
the battle of Rappahannock Station on the 7th day of November, 1863, 
and died during his removal from the battle-field to Washington. His 
remains were embalmed by order of his Captain, and sent to his home in 
Corinth. 

Chauncey Cochrane, the son of James Cochrane Jr.. was born at Pem- 
broke, N. H., Nov. 24th, 1801; was married Nov. 26th, 1828. to Sarah 
Cochrane of the same place. In June. 1833, Mrs. Cochrane, the wife of 
the said Chauncey, was murdered by a young man named Prescott, who, 
upon being convicted, suttered the penalty of the law. Receiving a se- 
vere blow upon the head. Mr. Cochrane barely escaped the fate of his 
wife. Suffering deeply from the tragic death of the wife, with two small 
children he sought a home in Maine, and in 1834 commenced business as 
a trader in East Corinth. In February, 1838, he was married to Miss 
Maria Gay, of New Loudon, N. H. Bj- this marriage he had nine chil- 
dren, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living. Owing to 
ill health in 1851 he abandoned trade and engaged in farming, in which 
he has been very successful. Being a practical business man, and having 
the confidence of his townsmen, he was often in town business, and in 
1851-2 was elected a member of our State Legislature. Mr. Cochrane is of 
Scotch descent. His great-grandfather came from the south of Scotland 
and settled in Pembroke, N. H., before its incorporation. His grand- 
father, James Cochrane, was a soldier of the Revolution. Chauncey 
Cochran interested himself much for schools and the ministry, and the 
well educated and religiously inclined family of his ow^n household tells 
of the wonderful success of his home teaching ; and those who have loved 
the reading of Scottish history, and the singing of '"Auld Lang Syne," by 
Robert Burns, will love them the more by an intimate acquaintance with 
the Cochrane family. 

Mr. James Knowles, who for many years was the popular landlord of 
the Parker House, has taken possession of his private residence, which, 
for structure and fine finish is unsurpassed in our county, and, while the 



22 

coiiiiiiunity liiive perfect coiitidence in liis suecessni-. ;\Ii-. J. Wesley 
Hunting, yet tlie ever cht^ertul face nf (uirl.itc liii.-r will long lie missed, 
by those who h)ved liis words of kindiii'ss.n d liis pronipr ;ictii>n in behalf 
of all asking i.is assistance. 'I'iie pn sent landlord lias made improve- 
ments, and Ills foiir-horse mail stage coach leaves for llangor every 
day at six A. M.. returning, arrives at six i". m. 

The numy years that Ex-Governor Davis and his brothei-. Ira W. Da- 
vis were Counsellors and Attorneys in town, demonstrated the fact that 
lawyers may. at all times, strictly jieiform all the re(|uirements of the 
law. to^\■ard all parties, and at the same time lie lo\('i-s of jK-ace — puiv in 
thought and action, so essential to the vital iiitcrests of the comnuiinty. 

The first efforts to establish Salibath Schools were made in 18^2 liy 
Deacon .Stephen Dexter, and Miss P]lina Ilerrick.to which .Mrs. John To- 
zier. now eighty-six years of age. contributed valual)le books. 

In 1850 Coriiith contained 1600 souls; in 1800, 18(;0 souls; in 1870,1402 
souls; in 1880. i;;3;j soids. 

Ever 'iince Maine became a State, her citizens have comidained of the 
injnstice done the grand old Pine, as represented in the device of our 
State Seal, and a citizen of Corinth forwarded the following petition t(> 
the LegislatiU'c, which was resjiectfidly i-eeeived and read to the Senate. 

To the Honoralih' Senate and House of Bepresentalires of Maine, in Legis- 
lature assemhled : 

Respectfully represents your petioner. a citizen of the town of Cor- 
inth, in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, that more than half 
a century- ago he was permitted to enjoy his tirst remembered outlook 
upon the dense forests of the ""Pine Tree State;"' — that his early dom- 
licile. and the rocking cradle of his infancy, were alike made of the flesh 
colored ])ines so bountifully intersperse(I throughout our groves and 
woodlands; — that while his mirsing childhood drew nutriment from its 
surroundings, producing eidargement from what it fed upon, the bal- 
samic properties of the pine permeated the entire make up of his com- 
plex nature — i.nanhood and pinehootl. 

The marveUous beauty of a pine grown upon the soil of Norridgewock 
ill otu' State, one hiuulred aiul ftfty feet in length and four and one-half 
feet in diameter, while little laberty in Waldo County, competing for the 
mastery in tree growing, gave a pine seveii feet at stump, maldiig ten 
thousand six hundred and ten feet of square edged boards, claimed the 
admiration of v^our petitioner's juvenile life; and while his nursery tales 
partook largely of mythology and fable, it was not difficult to believe 
that at a Congress of Trees, the dimpled ej^e of the bird's eyed maple, 
clearly saw the coming popularity of the majestic pine, and secured an 
honest Congressiorial vote, declaring her tiie queen of the AVoods, at 
which all the pines, with waving branches invoked the gentle winds of 
the breathing hill, thus chanting a melody so soft and plaintively sweet, 
that Orpheus ceased his notes, and dancing trees gave listening ear to 
the Te Deum Laudamus of the worshiiiping pine — a music sweeter than 
breathings of harp or lute, until woodlands felt the inlluence of the re- 
ligion of the forest, and the inspired poet wrote, -'The (/roves icere God's 
first Temple. 

And while thus entranced with the pine and its worship, the historical 
readings of your petitioner taught lim, that as early as the 17th century, 
good mother Massachusetts so loved the gold in th«' mine and the pine in 
forest, that she stamped the gold with the figure of the pine, giving it a 
currenc}' known as Pine Tree Money- and while he loved the current 
coin, and hoping for its plenteous acciunulations, coming years brought 



;niti<'i|i:it('i] muiiliDiMl ainl Maine's (ioviTuor honored your |)( titioiier with 
a eoiuiiiissioii bf.-iriiiii' tlic seal of the State. Tlieii tlie eye fell sadly up- 
on the meager l)iish I'epresentiiig the pine of Elaine I — a nondesei'ipt — a 
mere shnd) vvirhoiit majestic comeliness, a forest f niigns I 

All that had been said and written on the heaiity of the i)ine came has- 
tily l)ack and forced memory's doors for enlraiice. and yonr petioiier sor- 
rowed I hat in early life lie had said to one of Maine's fairest danghtei'S — 
now his wife — that she was as gTaceful in stature as tiie |)ine: — at a mere 
glance at the husii on the seal, the fair one declined the hon(jr of lesem- 
hlance. ))referring rathei' being tlie sprnc<' girl of the i)eii(jd. 

Sensitively elii'ving that the engraved pine upon the State's Seal, in- 
decorously and strang(dy syndiolizes a meanness and dwarfage no where 
found in .Slaine's varied industries, judicial powers or legislative, bodies, 
your petitionei' has long hoped foi- a more truthful leitresentation of 
Mdiiic na she is, engraven, not oidy upon memory's tablets, but fittingly 
depicted in signet and shield. 

'I'o study the pine as nmi^ ei}gra\eu upon the seal of our State for sem- 
blance of the 1 ine of our forests would be as futile as to read the de- 
scription of animals in zoological cabinets to tind the likeness of the 
beast ri.^ing out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, seen by John 
the Kevelator. I'lien^foie. and that your memorialist may no longer pine 
over the denmralized jjineiy of his State, he asks that the seal now in use 
be at once remodeled and liE Pined, and in duty bound will ever pray. 

Mason S. Palmee. 

Coi'inth. January. 187!). 

Mason S. Palniei- of Corinth, was born in that town October 27, 1803 
His first remembered outlook upon the world was among forests, and 
the then recently felled ti'ees. and small patches of cleared land incident 
to farm undiiuii To this vvoi'k he devoted his days of boyhood, except- 
ing always such times as he was enabled to attend such schools as were 
early introduced into the township. In early life he became a teacher, 
and on arriving at his majoritj- was chosen superintendent of schools. 
He afterwai'ds wrote in tlie various county offices; at a suitable age he 
was appointed assistant Post Master at Bangor, and left that position 
was appointed Eegister of Probate for Penobscot County, which office 
he held for many j-ears. For several years Mr. Palmer had charge of 
the Katahdin Iron Works in Piscataquis County, from which he went 
to Briggs Iron Company, Berkshire County Massachusetts, as its agent, 
wliere he was engaged nine years, during which time he served one term 
as a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts and was also appointed 
clerk of the court of insolvency for the county of Berkshire and one of 
the supervisors of schools. After suffering seriously by tire, he re- 
turned to his native town, and at this writing, resides on the farm in the 
neighborhood of his birih. Mr. Palmer married Miss Mary Jolmson 
Coy, daughter of the late Captain Henry Coy, of Minot, Maine, an offi- 
cer of the war of 1812. 

Hon. Noah Barker was born in Blaisdell Plantation, now Exeter, Nov. 
14. 1807. After receiving a conuuon school education, the Academies of 
Hampden and Foxcroft gave him such further suitable training as fitted 
liim for business life, and he commenced surveying in 1830, and has 
surveyed not only the Northern parts of Maine into townships, but has per- 
formed efficient work in New Hampshire and Canada. After serving his 
term in the capacity of school commissioner, and several years as select- 
man, he was elected to the Legislature in 1837, 1839 and in 1855; and to 
the Senate in 1878 and 1879 ; was also County Couimlssioner for several 



24 

years and State Land A^ent 1867 and 1859. He married Tenipei-ance B« 
Eddy in 183V). and in 1856 settled in the place once (x^enpied by Wil- 
liam Eddy, Esq. Keeently Mr. Barker has removed to Exeter. his son Wil- 
liam now occupying the farm rtrstly known as the Simpson Farm, then 
William Eddy, afterwards Noah B;irkeiand now William Barker. 

Henry L. Pearson, was born in Warren. iMainc Jan 3. 1805. He nnir- 
ried Knthy Dntton. daughter of James Dntton who died while she was 
an infant, she was bn)nght np by the llni. S. E. Dntton, of Bangor, and 
having received a. good education in early life came to Corinth as a 
teacher, and has successfidly tanght not cndy childhood's schools ; but 
by noble example. tanght woman-hood dntics ; then wife-hood. then moth- 
er-hood. Ml', and Mrs. Pearson have had ten children all retlecting cred- 
it to parental tt aehings; and the parents are now spending a (piiet old 
age on the beautiful farm tiiey made fiom the wilderness, cared for by 
their son Mr. Charles Pearson and his wife with six children, twci son's 
and four daughters. 

Clifford W. Shores, after becoming of age engaged in the liverj' bus- 
iness in Waterville — in 1858 settled on the phice he now oc<nipies. He 
married Adesta Koundy. diinghter of John Koundy, of Corinth. They 
have two children; own sixty acres of land in town, making a tine farm 
and are highl}- respected citizens. 

William Spratt tirst settled in Sebec. married Pamelia Miller, daughter 
of Benjamin Miller, of Barnard,Piscataqnis County. Me. moved to Corinth 
in 1851. settled on the farm on which he now lives near the centre of the 
town. Bitt one of his four children now lives viz.. Frank, who resides 
with his parents on the homestead of about one hundred acres of excel- 
lent land, on which are ver^' desirable buildings. 

Humphrej^ Nichols was born Januarv 13, 1807. married Marcia G. 
Tyler, by whom he had ten children; his second vvife was Hannah 
Eovren, of Deering. New Hampshire. Mr. Nichols first settled where 
he now resides; is Postmaster of South Corinth, which otHce he has 
filled most of the time for tliirty years. He owns three hundred and 
ten acres of land in town, and though now seventy four years of age, 
takes much interest in the current events of the day. 

Nathaniel Smith, who came here in 1827 from New London, NewHamp- 
shire, and settled on the farm he aow occupies with his son, George H. 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Betsey Herrick, 
daughter of Jonathan Herrick. of New London. Age has not abated his 
industry works on the farm as a man of less years. 

George H. Smith, son of Nathaniel Smith was born September 16, 
1838. He married Emma C. Blanchard, daughter of John C. Blanchard 
and settled on the homestead about one mile south of the Town House 
which is a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, holding the 
ottice of Selectman of the town. and the husbandry of a wife, that -'seeketh 
wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands," They have six 
pattern children, 

Hon. John Thissell was born in Fishersfield.now called Newbury, New 
Hampshire, Dec. 31, 1804. He lived in N. H. until he was twent5'-one 
yearsof age, where he received a common school education. He came to 
Corinth in 1831. and settled on the East Ridge on the farm now occupied 
by Stephen H. Worth. 

In 1869 he purchased the farm in East Corinth, where he lived happi" 
ly and pleasantly, respected by all ; was one of the Selectmen for nearly 
twenty years. In 1848 he was a member of the State Legislature. In 
1859 and 1860 was in the Senate, was a member of the State Board 



'25 

<>r A<iriciilriiu' tor three years. In 1881 lie inai-ried for liis first wife Al- 
lasel)a H. Ramsdell a native of Luiieiibui'g. Massacluisetts. vvlio died in 
("oriiitli liaviiig hronsj^lit liini two children. Ciiarles T.. wiio married Mar- 
riett Fr. ueii. of ( ^orintii, and Henry VV.. who died in said town at tiie age 
of twenty-seven years. He afterwards married Mrs. Abby 'J'riie. a native 
of Mont\ ille.who was ;i d(>VMt;'d wife and with wiioui lie s])ent life's hap- 
py afternoon. .Mr. Tiiissell was reserved. not aml)itioiis of talk. but divine- 
ly retieent. The hunsehold he so miicii loved was enhanced by the pres- 
ence of his stepdaughter Canie M. Ti-ue whose words ever fell happily on 
his ear in a home of snch stirring interests and inspirations ; our friend al- 
ways of deep thought dwelt upon the wonderful things whi<:'h were told 
by the early Shepherds, and pondered them in his heart; for tlie heart 
is profouhdei- than the head. It is the head that makes all the shallow 
racket in tli< uoild. It is tiie heail that is t-omparatively superficial. It 
is the lack of th" heart that makes the lack of all we lack. To our fri nd 
Christianity was a matter of heait.and a matter of reason, and out of the 
heart t-anu' his i)rofoimd meditarions. 

Oiu' Iriend loved qiuet. Deep beneath the tempestuous sea are the still 
waters, and there the pearls ai-e found. He was deeply Interior — was not 
wholly undei- the resti'aint of the church — he pondered deeply on the 
promised glories of another life; and while thus pondering, entered that 
life. 

Thomas G. Watson came from Farmington. N. H., in 1823 and served 
an apprenticeship at the carpenter and millwright business. In 1829 he 
married Miss Sophia Came of Buxton. Me., worked at his trade until 1831 
when he moved to Corinth. He has had six children, buried two, one 
killed in battle, the othei- dying young. Mr. Watson has held many town 
offices, and in 18r)(j. re|)resented his t( wii in the Legislature, but is con- 
tent with being a farmer, and is a remarkably healthy man, having never 
known sickness. 

Clark, llersey was born Jamiary 14. 1806. and settled in the south part 
of Corinth in 1832 In 1834 married Olive Trefren, daughter of George 
Trefren of Salem, Mass., has had nine children, six boys and three 
girls. He moved to his present farm in East Corinth in 1869, owns 
over three hundred acres of excellent land, and though for many years 
an invalid, he is at all times busy, fully retaining his facidties. ' He 
has held important offices and posesses largelj^ those rare qualities con- 
stituting a good neighbor. 

N. S. White was born in 1840 and married ^NUss Helen Palmer, daugh- 
ter of John Palmer of North Bangor, he settled in (Corinth in 1869 on a 
valuable farm in the centre of the town with good buildings; is a lover 
of agriculture and his home. 

John Morrison came from Sebec. purchased the early homestead of the 
late Stephen Dexter, adding largely to its acres, number and elegance of 
its buildings. Has tilled, satisfactorily the various positions assigned him 
in the Senate, and House of Representatives and town municipalites; 
takes great interest in all agricultural matters, loves much his house- 
hold, his farm, his oxen and'the pine on his timber lands, and without 
murmurs or the making of wry faces at his assessors, pays the largest 
tax in town. 

Mellville C. Palmer, youngest son of the late Kichard Palmer, was 
born June 12, 1822 married Miss Elizabeth Leavltt daughter of Thomas 
Leavitt; Ik; purchased the farm first occupied by Deacon Stephen Dex- 
ter; made improvements on buildings already erected, adding all necessa- 
ry outbuildings including a large and finely finished stable. They have had 
five children one died in early childhood, and Mary H. lived to grow to 



•if) 

perfect woinaiiliood. ami thus i^ro\viii<j i^n-u deeply into the affeetion 
of parents ami all who knew her. She died recently aged 2(t years. 

Fairfield M. the oldest son resides in the west. (?harl<'s L. and Frank 
reside with their parents on a farm clearly showing admirable culture 
and care. 

.Josei)h Bragdon was born Augu-t 10. 1784; died Nov. 20. 1S19. By his 
wife Abigail, sister of Deacon Hunting, he iiad two sons. Elbridge H., 
born Jan. 7. 1812 and Enoch H.. born dan. 2. 18U. Mi. Jacob Wheeler 
married the widow Bragdon who became tin; mother of Joseph B. Wheel- 
er Feb. 23, 1823, who married a daughter of Mr. Francis Hill of Exeter, 
and to whom was born Dr. Leslie Wheeler, a practicng physician in 
Brewer, and Myra Wheeler, a daughter at home. Mr. Just'ph B. Wheel- 
er has man_v years served as one of the Seleetmen of Corinth, has been a 
member of our State Legislature, owns the farm once occupied by Gen. 
L Hodsdon. and has recentl}' added thereto the farm of the late Elijah 
Skinner. Jr.. making a large and desiral).e homestead. 

Elbridge H. Bragdon in early life demonstrated the practical energies 
of the man, was a mechanic, farmer, merchant, post master, and ad- 
mirably raised an interesting fannly. Ora. his oldest, died while in trade 
in Boston. Oressa S. resides in Boston, and for many years has been en- 
gaged in the Department of the Post Office, and while possessing the 
strong native business abilities of maidiood. nature^ ijrdce and edurntion 
have given her those pleasing qualifications so mucli adnnred in woman- 
hood, Mary E. Bragdon, the second daughter, resides witii her father, 
and devotes her energies in caring for an only living parent whose life 
is seemingly blended with her own existence. 

Addie L. E. Bragdon, the youngest, having studiously gleaned knowl- 
edge from books found in institutions of human teachings, recently en- 
tered that higher class, where Eternity's readings are from the Book of 
Life. 

Enoch H. Bragdon, the younger brother of Elbridge II. Bragdon. was 
a man remarkable for his industry, and the presence of the Hunting 
blood was early apparent. He married Sarah, the second daughter of 
Elijah Skinner, and the pleasant home the}^ occupied, (being greatly im- 
proved) was that made by Mr. Jacob Wheeler for his own residence. 
When citizens could enlist Mr. Bragdon in any enterprise, success was 
assured. Mr. Bragdon had four children, two died during the life of the 
father, and when he was called, he was in readiness, sorrowing only in 
the leaving of a wife and two children, who are still living, viz., Charles, 
the eldest, possessing largely of his father's qualifications, a man prompt 
in action in all matters deemed by him to be right; and Emma, the 
daughter, the meek child of sober tiiought; our world is better for her 
existence. 

Mr. Daniel Skinner, our patriarchal Dainel, kindred in spirit and life to 
the Chaldean Daniel, called Belshazzar, was horn in Mansfield, Massa- 
chusetts, June 29, 1744; died in Corinth in 1841. During the year 1793 
Mr. Daniel Skinner erected in township No. 2 a cabin of large dimen- 
sions, which was long occupied by his family, and was at all times the 
welcome residence of the stranger; and this home became inexpressibly 
dear to many. There could perhaps have been found a people who bet- 
ter understood the qualities of soil, and could avail themselves of ad- 
vantages with skill infinitely supeiior, but for purity of manners, warmth 
of affection, kindness and courtesy, they home in the humble residence of 
the original Skinner family, from whose rough cabin the first smoke ever 
rose among lofty elms and proud pineries of the township. Here our 



)i:irt'iit Diiiiiel iind liis liouscliold worshipped, here tlie devotioiuil i)r:iy*r 
wa.s ottered, and sweet tlie hyiiiiiing of praise ininglin<^ wi'.li the mellow 
tones of worshipping natnre. 

Mr. Skinner was a christian and philanthropist, and while he loved his 
townsiiip and its peoi)le. lie deemed the world his conntrj'. and his conn- 
trymen all mankind. He lived the ehristian's life, he died the chris- 
tian's death. In a lile of niaimscripts marked •'1841" was recently found 
the following lines pnrpoiting to have been -'written at the grave of Mi'. 
Daniel Skinner on the day of his burial." 

Take, boimteous earth, within thy bosom dear, 

Our christian guide, and faithful pioneer; 

Take tiie paternal heart beneath the soil. 

In kind remembrance of his life long toil; 

Who tirst enriched and ornamented thee, 

With many a shrub and ornamental tree; 

And lured the streams to fall in artful showers. 

I'pon thy thirsty herbs and fainting flowers. 

First in the Spring he taught the rose to rear. 

First in the Autumn culled the ripened pear; 

His vines were envied all the country round. 

And favoring heaven showered plenty on his giound; 

Therefore, kind earth, reward him in thy breast. 

With a green covering, and an easy rest. 

P. 

Asahel Skinner, eldest son of Daniel Skinner, was born in Massachu- 
setts, August 22. 1771, and with his father's family, moved into Corinth 
in 1793. married Pliebe Gould and lived in Corinth until about the year 
1818, when he left for the State of Ohio, taking with him his family of 
thirteen children. He recently died, being the father of twenty-one chil- 
dren. 

Elijah Skinner was born Sept." 22. 1779; died April 18. 1857. For his 
first wife he married Sarah Fishei-, of Canton. Mass. by whom he had ten 
children. 

Nathan F.. the eldest, was born April 23. 1804, died June 29, 1820. 

Nancy, the widow of Capt. Ephraim Whitney, once of Corinth, now 
of California, was born May 25. 1806. and still lives. 
Elijah Skinner, Jr.. born May 19. 1809, died Feb. 10, 1881. 

Sarah Skinner is now the widow of the late Enoch H. Bragdon. 

Alvin Skinner died January 13. 1861. 

Mary Skinner is the wife of Aaron French. 

Harriet Skinner, deceased. 

Elijah Skinner for his second wife married Nancy Budge, widow of 
Capt. James Budge of Bangor, by whom he had one child, George F. 
Skinner, who was born Nov. 12. 1829. and the said George F., and his son 
and onlj- child. Frank H. Skinner, reside upon a portion of the farm first 
occupied by Daniel Skinner in 1793. 

George F. Skinner married Sarah J. Deering, a pi'actical seamstress 
and taxidermist. Both father and son are excellent farmers and or- 
chardists. Frank H. Skinner married Eva M. Gay of Charleston. 

Mason Skinner, the youngest son of Daniel Skinner, married Rebecca 
Batchelder. They had eleven children, and all deceased excepting John B. 
Skinner, residing at Veazie. 

Isaac Hodsdon died in Corinth May 24. 1864. 

Nathan Hodsdon died in Corinth, May 3, 1848, leaving a widow ad- 



•28 

Viiiipcd in years, vpt ri't;iiiiiii<j Iht nieiit;il facult I's in a woudiTt'ul decree. 
His son Charles Flodsdon is one of Coriiitirs niercdiants. 

^Ir. Enoch Marsliail and wife are sjjendinu; a very (I'liet life on the 
premises once the home of Alvin Skinner. Tlie store <iiice Skinner's hnt 
more recently occupied hy E. H. Bragdon as stire and Post Office is 
now unoccupied. 

Mrs. Comins, whose first husband was Alonzo Batchelder. manages 
with nnu'h skill her homestead premises, and fully d Muoistrates the fact 
that if it is not good for man to live alone, wmnan nm. 

Upon pleasant premises occupie(l by .1. Bailey during Ids life, now 
lives his widow, and the youngest daughter s'> intent ail ni'dstering to 
the wants of an invalid mother, that he wanting a wife fails in obtaining 
the hand of Clara. 

Upon the bank opposite the plat of meadow, once the home of a large 
family of beavers, ami where in after time stood the wigwam of the In- 
dian Pierre Paid, lives now Mr. Boutell who. when occasion re(|uires. 
leaves the culture of his grounds, and plies the haurner of the smith. 

Where stood sixty years ago the shoji of Mr. Mison Skinner, now 
stands the large commodious shop of Mr. Koyal Swe(>t. containing everv 
apparent requisite for the speedv manufacture of repairs of such articdes 
as alarming community require. 

The liomestead of the late Kichard Palmer is the residence of Charles 
H. Ilodgdon. 

Charles A. Robinson was born in Corinth in 1837: — in boyliood lie was 
an industrious gleaner of incidents and facts, saw whatever came with- 
in his observation, and in the storehouse of memory deposited what he 
deemed might be useful in coming manhood, thus becoming self edu- 
cated. In early life he served two years in the navy, and after the close 
of the war. settled in Corinth, and was and now is engaged in stone cut- 
ting, including both rough and monumental work. 

Ill 1865 he married Miss Louisa Ide — they have no children. In all 
business matters he is a practical man, and is chairman of the Selectmen 
of his town. 

Mr. Albert Ide and Albert Jr. reside in comfortable homes of tlieir 
own providing and construction, and enjoy that traiiquillitv of mind 
known only to lovers of peace. 

Mr. Samuel Cressy died in Corinth. Oct. 30, 1882, aged 75 years, leav- 
ing a widow and three children. Kev. Charles Cr. ssy, the son of Mr. 
Samuel Cressy possessed more than ordinary abilities and became a 
highly esteemed minister of the Methodist denomination, and his death 
which occurred Dec. 21, 1881, at Hampton, Iowa, occasioned much sorrow 
He was a man of energy in the pulpit and of pleasing social address 
He married Miss Delia S. Robinson, daughter of John L. Robinson, for- 
merly of Corinth, who died some months before her husband. They 
leave three children, a son of fifteen j^ears and two daughters of less 
years. 

The town road leading directly west from Corinth Methodist meeting 
house, after passing farms of J. B. VV heeler and C. B. Bragdon. lea<is 
you to the neighborhood known as the Thomas Bean settlement, and you 
pass farms of R. Folley, A. French, A. Johsoii, R. Doe, H. Clark, J. ller- 
som and O. Jaqueth. 

These are good farms and well cultivated ; that of Richard Doe shows 
the working of tlie leaven in the entire measure of Doe soil, and horses 
and stock tell of excellent care. In this neighboriiood orchards are excel- 
lent. 



29 

lie who i'l hoyliood's fl;iv« liad his plav o^ronnd amid tlie oiire active 
scpiips (tf hiiildiiiiT fdir towiisliiji. will, in his pvpsent walks seo the foot- 
steps of decay. Tlie dwellinir of Doctor William P eahody was a small 
low posted house of one story, alvvays a bnsy house, beiiio; ocenpied as 
the family home, the store, the tavern honse and the apothecary's shop, 
for here the Doctor componnded and caretnlly mixed his own medi- 
cines makinji: himself daily better acqnainted with, and the effects of 
every ino^redient nsed and stndionsly attendinj; to that which many 
a stndent to-d;iy bestows scarce a thou<;ht. viz.. study. 

The pleasant residence of the Oakman Brothers was alternately the 
home of r.emenl Tozier, Koyal Clark, Mark Trafton. 

The home of Simon White was the first residence of Benjamin Tib- 
betts aftei-war<1s of ('. Hersey. 

The T.iicns family live where first lived Mr. Ahner Tibbetts. at the 
(ioodhne corner. wJiere once a shop, store. Tavern Honse. etc., built by 
Mr. Robinson were in requisition, little now is beino: accomplished; near 
this corner, on the road leadin<>^ to the Skiinier Settlement, stands that 
ancient inonnment of times tender mer(\v. the house lonji^ the home of 
Mr. William llanunond and his numerous family ; and here lived Miss Eliza 
Hammond who became the wife of our early school teacher, Thomas 
Bean, and the fond mother of Edwin Bean, now jjrowino^ popular in the 
oftlce of Sheritt" and Doctor Cliarles Bean of Chelsea. Mass.. still grow- 
ing to fleshy notoriety, weighing at the time of this writing 450 pounds. 

The premises once occupied by Dirk Eleischman. afterwards by C. 
Bunker, then T. Hersey. is now the well managed farm of Isaac Duren, 
giving large crops of excellent \\:iv. The adjoining farm known as the 
Barter premises has been greatly improved by its present owner, Rich- 
ard Bailey, and made the pleasant residence of a verv industrious fam- 

Here the main road, which for many miles is the dividing line between 
Corintii and Levant, leaves said town line, and riuis wholly on lands of 
Levant to Kenduskeag Village, while the line severing the two towns of 
Corinth and Kenduskeag, is still the road passing the ancient farm made 
by Mr. Joseph Stevens, the brick maker, the shoe maker, and the 
farmer. 

Mr. Andrew G. Fitz, the surveyor, lives upon a portion of said farm, 
and Captain Joseph Stevens, eldest son of the senior Stevens, lives upon 
tlie remaining portion of the original homestead, so divided as to make 
two valuable farms, and near the residence of Capt. Stevens, lives his son 
George, upon a farm fertile as are all the farms upon this road. 

The large homestead of Eliphalet Packard has at all times been a pay- 
ing farm, the soil at all times seemingly willing to loan its accumula- 
ting wealth to him seeking it. teaching life's lessons, which were (thus 
demonstrated. A neighbor asks the veteran farmer for the loan of a few 
hundred dollars. but he had none on hand, the son Avas short by reason of 
recent loans, but the daughter, having no husband to provide for, from 
funds of her own. happily loaned the amount desired. 

That the farm where lived and died Mr. William Tibbetts. is carefully 
cultivated by its present owner. Mr. Albana F. Dodge, is manifest from 
the liberal planting of trees upon the road side. 

Mr. Moses Mudgett. having spent a long life in the faithful perform- 
ances of all life's duties, and finding his days nearly closed, gave to the 
living wife liberally of his personal property, bequeathing to his daugh- 
ters to whom he was greatly attached. his real estate, and then quietly en- 
tered his homestead in his burial grounds, and quiet is his resting place. 



.'50 

Mr. ('harles Bean, having made an exchange of farmss. and given in 
})hice of himself, Mr. Orman Eastman, a wortliy citizen, the exchange is 
deemed to be no robbery. 

Mr. George Tibbetts hasbaen f )rtniiate in procnring a very desirable 
farm; in the first place, his early and original purcliase was judicious, 
and secondly the descent by law of the Black farm to the same family, 
thus making one ownership of the two premises. 

Mr. Keuben Goodwin and family live in tiie (piiet enjoyment of fert le 
premises long their home, making such occasional additions tiiereto as 
good husbandry suggests. 

Here also resides tne frugal widow Jael Coffin, remembering her sons 
slain in battle, and gratefully- receiving the pension of her government. 

The farm of Benjamin O. Budge is the residence of most of the 
Bodge family, who cultivate the farm in its season, deal in purchase and 
sale of live stock, and also from their slaughter house send dressed 
meats to the Boston markets. 

The farm once occupied by Stephen Barker and afterwards bj'^ A. 
Norton is now the tidy home of Zimri McKusick on vvliich good f« nces 
and a new and tinely finished dwelling house is just completed, and if 
you would see a happy family "whose works pi-aise them" call at Mr. 
McKusick's. 

Daniel B. Dexter with his two sons (farmers and mechanics) and there 
families 'live upon the farm made by Chase Eldt^n. near the Bridge cross- 
ing the Kenduskeag Stream. In its present owners, the large farm 
finds the industry and ability necessary for its profitable culture. The 
widow of Chase Elden occupies the premises recently owned by the 
Messrs. Dexters. 

For many years now gone in the dwelling of the Keimie family on 
the "horse back,''' a mother was wont to give judicious instructions to 
her children, who now "rise up and call her blessed." 

Mr. Benjamin Dyer venerable in years and remarkable for industry, 
still cultivates the earth, and watches the heavens, scanning the worlds 
upper stories, that he may find among the "fixed stars," some star "out 
of fix,"' against which the straying comet may come in contact and pro- 
duce a S7nash up. Mr. Dyer is well cared for in the family of his son 
Martin F., whose ever active wife, little regarding the old gentleman's 
prophecy, wears now as ever a cheerful, happy face while discharging 
her household, of the duties of wife and mother. 

Sorrow has recently entered the family of our neighbor James Brack- 
ett, whose wife after passing through much acute sufiering, has entered in- 
to rest. Mrs. Brackett was the daughter of Capt. Isaac Ball, whose memory 
was always dear and whose household was the abode of that peace which 
was so much sought among our earlj' settlers. Mr. Brackett and family 
have their home with us and wiien we find those deserving more our re- 
spect, we will make a note of the fact, and enclose it in (Bracketts). 

The premises long ago occupied b}' Capt. Xathan Herrick, afterwards 
by Chase Elden(the Potter), is now the pleasant residence of H.Whittier. 
The glazed coating of pottery, being skillfull}^ applied to the brick con- 
stituting the outer wall of the house, gives it not only a beautiful crysta- 
lized appearance, but protects it from devastation of time and storm. 

The buildings recently destroyed by lightning were originally tlie 
home of Benjamin Ball, Esq., but at the time of burning were owned and 
occupied by Mr. Cliflbrd Shores, who with commendable fortitude is now 
rebuilding upon the spot so hastily made desolate by lightning's touch. 
Mr. Shores now occupies the house of the Fuller family. 



31 

The house built by Mr. Reuben Ball, and where he lived during his ac- 
tive life, is now tiie home of Mr. .Jolui Ilerrick whose broad wing of 
Philanthropy gives kindly shelter to many ueeding protection. 

Friction sometimes assumes the garb of history, thus ; a child loving 
much a medical man. and hearing her doctor was ill. exclaimed "Oh 
mother. I am sure he will die. for In; is a careless man and has probably 
taken a portion of his own medicine through mistake. 

The physician of eminence can bear such an insinuation, while the 
mere pretender to medical skill hates even the duck for constantly pro- 
nouncing his professiou. 

The house built by David A. Gove and occupied by him as a dwelling 
and Post Office at East Corinth is now the residence of Moses Goss. 

The house erected by Ilcmau S. Jackson, and where lived and died, 
H'^nry K. Dexter now resides Timothy McDonald, many years the Co- 
partner in trade of the said Dexter, Mr. McDonald has at -all times sus- 
tained the reputation of a man of sterling worth, and though we have no 
Price Current of such men as were re(iuire(l to save Sodom. Yet Mr. 
McDonald and nine others of like value would have saved the doomed 
city from destruction. 

The house vacated by the recent death of Hon. John Thissell, is now 
occupied by Charles Thissell the only living child of the deceased. 

The house and premises long since built bv Mr. .fohn B. Nichols is the 
residence of Mr. G. F. Hill, who has added nuich to the beauty of build- 
ings and grounds since his purchase. Mr. Hill has been a member of the 
Legislature, and a Deputy Sheriff of his County. 

Iia W. Davis, Attorney at law resides in the house of the late Joshua 
Hawes, office in C. E. Edmund's Block. 

A few days previous to the decease of our esteemed friend Mr. Eph- 
riam M, Gerry he spake tenderly of the wife, the son and the sous wife 
and W# infant and said he could not find words fully expressing their 
worth. 

The good man has gone, and business and sympathy has made us ac- 
quainted with those he prized so much, and we plainly see the impossi- 
bility of finding suitable words for an appropriate inventor}- of the in- 
mates of his household. 

Edwin R. Bean owns and occupies the premises recently occupied by 
Joseph Herrick and is a Deputy Sheriff of this County. 

McDonald and Savage occupy the store lately occupied by Dexter & 
McDonald, where they keep a large and carefully selected stock of such 
goods as are wanted by farmers and mechanics. Purchasers say that 
those who buy at this store buy safely. 

A. D. Dnunmond has purchased the Mitchell place, once owned by 
E. R. Bean. 

Thecider mill, grist mill, saw mill and other machinery moved by steam 
power, and built by W. R. Clark, are leased to James Copp, and the 
dwelling house of the saidClai'k is occupied by J. VV. JunkUis. 

That very desirable farm owned and occupied many years since by Mr. 
Aaron Gould, is now the property of the town, and known as the Town 
Farm. 

The farm made and long occupied by Mr. William Gay, has now 
passed b\' purchase into the hands and become the homestead of Mr. 
Edwin A. Cole. who. for honesty of purpose, truthfulness of speech, and 
benevolence in action, demands what we cheerfully accord him viz., 
A heartv welcome to his new home. 



32 

There have been in town eleven suicides — Tlie tii\-Jt was i>n Mav 15, 
ISl.'). by the drownbig of Mi^s Louisa Knight, aged 20 years— in I lie 
(looked Brook— Mis.s Ivnight was the persoaitieation of a liappy girl 
j,,>,),| lif,. — ii sudden cloud appeared in t e mental horizon of her brain, 
hidiiio- from her the presence of her Makei-, and she. destroyetl that 

li^t^- " . , , . 

.Should the stranger ask why there are in town at least tlirf<- energetic 

accomijlished. and intelligent uiiiuarriel fcmaUis. to one unmarried male 

we answer, that some years since the young ladit^s resolved that their 

o-ood sense had tauglit them, that to reject an otler of marriage is far 

better than to accept husbands, who. in point of intelligence, are in i.o 

respect their equals. Adtling to this the fact, that during the War of tiie 

Rebellion, girls of genuine patriotism conseiitetl that their atiianced ei.- 

o-a"-ed in the battle of their country, not that they loved thcii- betrothed 

fuss but their country more; consequently ("orinth may be regarded a 

ha. I'kini'- institution f..r the benetit of those asking for safe matrimonial 

deposits. Banking hours weekly after religions services. 

Mr. Joshua llenick. one of the four men who commeiiceil on one and 
the same day in felling trees for the making Hiintiug Settl.-ment. madi^ 
a farm oil which he lived and died, the same being now occiipietl by his 
son • Mr. llerrick was a man worthy the ilay in which he lived. 

Mr. John Savage is the Agent of several insurance cijuipanies and 
Trial Justice of Corinth. 

Major James Blake removed from Brewer to Corinth in 1818 and pur- 
chased of Jonathan Snow the large farm so long known as the Blake 
farm, and owned it during his life and at his decease by will i)assed to 
Xabl)V Blake, wife of the Major, and by her and her family occupied 
durin'o- the life of the wife, and by her devised equally to her three 
unmarried daughters viz., Nancy. Sarah and Mary. 

The farm made and occupied by Colonel Josiah Morrill in Eddy settle- 
ment is now occupied by Mr. Win. Blackwell aiul his two sons and their 
families — the aged father performing fully the labor of a man of medium 

years. 

" After the Ritchie farm passed into the hands of Mr. John Farrar, it 
received that attention which made it one of the most desirable farms in 
the vicinitv. Mr. Farrar being himself a practical farmer, and with a 
family of eight sons, ever ready to give their skilled labor to the stables 
and cultivated grounds, increase in yield in th products of the farm, and 
the conveniences of stables was apparent, while wife and daughter ever 
lookino" well to the ways of the household, and eating never the bread of 
idleness, made the entire premises a happy and prosperous home for an 
intelligent family. 

The morning after the fiie which destroyed the entire buildnigs of Mr. 
C. D. Chapman, we saw our friend Chapman standing upon the heap of 
ashes his building had made^ — there was a pensive shade upon his brow, 
but he spake not a word — nor did we, but we fancied we saw the ashy 
semblance of the fabulous bird wliich iNIythology teaches, when con- 
sumetl, builds itself a nest from its own ashes. We left our friend 
seemiiio'ly in deep meditation. Recentl,y we called— the buil ings in 
proud beauty were standing where recently lay the ashes. Chapman 
had received beauty foi ashes, and his hout;ehold was happy. A Plnvnix 
o-enius had accomplished a work, the glimmer of which we fancied we 
saw during his quiet meditation the morning after the tire. 

When it was announced that Mr. Elijah's. Whitney and the entire 
Whitney family proposed removing to California, there were citizens 



33 

who feared that aueh removal would sensibly effeot the future growth 
and prosperity of the Ridge. To lose those who had been so effpctive 
and active in all good words and works, was losing much; but in no 
manner did it lesson the energy and usefulness of those remaining; and 
suceess following the timely and prudent foot steps of those now active- 
ly engaged in giving gi'owth and character to Corinth's Eastern bounda- 
ry, shows, that at proper times, energy, though half hidden, comes forth 
and takes her peace in the world's grand workshop. 

That pleasant elevation of grounds on which stand the buildings of 
Mr. Bridgham, Mr. Bragg and Mr. Mayo, with other buildings in process 
of erection, when so grouped as to form a nucleus, will demand the ad- 
miration of those loving the blending of beauty with ulility. Those 
give not only pleasure to the eye and profit to owners, but aid in largely 
filling our agricultural halls with flowers of native growth reared by 
woman's dexterous skill. 

Not onlj' in those gardens of careful culture grow the "scentful nose- 
gay" but such growings are ever brewing a sweet fragance and odor, that 
ascending, maketh glad that Being that planted in the worlds first gar- 
den, the Tree of Knowledge. 

Corinthians. are to a great extent, practical Utilitarians. They believe 
with Jerenij'^ Bentham. that the value of all institutions or pursuits is to 
be tested by the principle of utility. 

Go into our families, and you will find its various members engaged in 
that pursiiit giving profitableness to some valuable end. 

At the house of Mr. J. Ames, the father was manufacturing a harness 
tor a neighbor, while two unmarried children, a son and daughter were 
teaching our town schools. They belonged to the society of LTtilitarians 
and believed in its principles. 

Mr. J. Dunfree teaching a prime yoke of young oxen the use of the 
yoke for farming purposes, utility whispered of a higher education for 
agricultural premium purposes, and both oxen soon advanced in the al- 
phabet so far as to know •■G." 

Most of our thinking population, belong to this society. Mr. C. Dureu 
when requested so to do. makes our taxes, and when made, helps pay 
them. Mr. Stephen Worth, prompted by utility, removed to the farm 
once the property of Mr. Thissel, and what was Worth performing on his. 
ancient homestead, s now of like Worth in his present home. Our friend 
Charles Clark the first, works well his farm, and when utility demands 
the ingenius skill of his handy work, lo ! in his shop his skill and work are 
hand in hand. 

Men are oftimes wrongly named. The purest minded man we ever 
knew in Corinth was named Gile. and owing to that purity and good- 
ness of heart, an Apostle and your historian and all lovers of truthful ut- 
terance knowing him well, say of him. "Behold an Israelite indeed in 
whom theie is no Guile." 

Were it not that our footsteps are tardy in leaving the assemblage of 
those of graceful conversation, we would invite the" reader to call with 
us upon those we now refer to. and with us in social call drink in those 
words that come with the grace of utterance — that come as poetry 
comes, that com ^ like a timely birth from the thoughtful speaker, musical 
as the tones of the heart giving it harmony of sound; to such we would 
gladly listen as in the past, did not those binding words prolong our stay 
beyond our present purposes, and we should say as did Eve to Adam, 
"With thee conversing, we forget all time." and thus offer forgetfulness 
as an apology for tardiness in leaving. No I reader, we will not violate 



34 

the promise of a hasty leturii. and though having little to say, now say 
that little. 

For more than half a century we have associated happily with the 
good citizens of our town at public and so(!ial gatherings and have 
learned, that speech is among the greatest gifts our Maker gave to man, 
and that "always with grace"' means fitness and truthfulness. 

With us, the ascending of intellect and increasing of information 
came as come the hours of life, always coming, and if our observations 
are correct, our women are far more intellectual than the men. partaking 
largely of that gravity of expression which sits gracefully upon them, 
enabling them to talk well of novels and poetry, authors and literature, 
and public institutions, as well as domestic duties ; and it can be said of 
them, and it is now spoken, that modesty of manners, delicacy of feeling, 
sweetness of disposition, unsullied purity of thought, affectionate warmth 
of heart, moral worth and a deep sense of religion are found in the 
women who meet in our social gatherings in Corinth. 



EARLY GLEANINGS 



RANDOM RECO 



jll 



n 



NS 



TOWN OF CORINTH 



MAINE, 



FROM 1792 TO 1883. 



MASON 8. PALMER. 



BANGOR: 

PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COURIER JOB OFFICE.) 

1883. 



W: 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 983 625 A 



